2023 Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy Preview: Storm v Diamonds
THE MATCH
Western Storm travel take on Northern Diamonds in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy at Headingley tomorrow (Saturday April 22nd).
This 50-over match will get underway at 10:30am.
Tickets for this match are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date via the Western Storm website.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have faced each other twice in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint competition with the Diamonds coming out on top on both occasions.
TEAM NEWS
A starting XI will be named from the following players: Sophie Luff (c), Danielle Gibson, Heather Knight, Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Claire Nicholas, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Nicole Harvey, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Niamh Holland, Izzy Patel, Katie Jones, Isla Thomson, and Rebecca Odgers.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the fixture, Western Storm Captain, Sophie Luff said: “Diamonds are the current title holders so it will be a tough game, especially at Headingley. It’s a great opportunity for us to go up there and play at a great ground where a lot of our girls won’t have played before.
“We’ve got a really exciting group. It’s a young squad and that brings a different energy. Everyone’s just desperate to get going. It’s a long season this year and we want to hit the ground running. We need to build on last year and be as consistent as we can.”
Head Coach, Trevor Griffin added: “We’re all incredibly excited that the season is just around the corner. There’s a bit of frustration due to the pre-season programme being washed out, but the girls are in a great place. They’ve trained incredibly well this winter and have put in a big shift from a physical perspective. We’re looking fitter and stronger than ever.”
THE OPPOSITION
Northern Diamonds
Captain: Hollie Armitage
Head Coach: Dani Hazell
2022 finish: Champions
2022 highest run-scorer: Lauren Winfield-Hill (470)
2022 highest wicket-taker: Linsey Smith (13)
Key winter moves: It’s all change at Headingley, where the Diamonds have lost some significant experience in terms of Linsey Smith to Southern Vipers and Nat Sciver-Brunt to new Nottingham-based team Blaze. Also gone are retired England legends Jenny Gunn and Katherine Sciver-Brunt. Diamonds have signed batter Rebecca Duckworth from Thunder and, on the eve of the season, powerful South Africa all-rounder Chloe Tryon on an overseas deal until August. But mostly they have opted to make use of their fruitful Academy set-up.
Player to watch: Hollie Armitage – The batting all-rounder was captain fantastic last year – 343 RHF Trophy runs in the top order and 11 wickets with her canny leg-spin. She catches flies in the field and led the side expertly in her second full campaign in charge. The Diamonds hierarchy believe she has all the tools to push on and play senior cricket for England. Another year like last, or better, and they’ll likely be right.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are attending the match please visit the Yorkshire CCC website for further matchday information.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Saturday April 29th when we take on Thunder in the Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
