2024 CEC Preview: Northern Diamonds v Western Storm
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Northern Diamonds in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Headingley tomorrow (Sunday June 16th).
This match is a double header with Yorkshire Vikings Vitality Blast clash with Leicestershire.
Tickets for this double header are still available.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
You can keep up to date via the Western Storm website.
A live stream of the match will also be available.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
TEAM NEWS
Western Storm will be without Heather Knight (unavailable) and Katie Jones (exams) but Dani Gibson could return to the side.
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Nat Wraith, Dani Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Niamh Holland, Jess Hazell, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Lauren Filer, Issy Wong, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Sophia Smale, Claire Nicholas, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “After the washout at Sophia Gardens, we’re all keen to be getting back to action up at Headingley on Sunday. It’s always frustrating when you get rained off because so many people, not just the players, put in so much effort to prepare for the game. Everyone was disappointed, but the one thing you can’t control is the weather.
“Diamonds are a strong side, but they haven’t quite fired in the competition so far, much like ourselves. Having said that, if we both play to the levels that we’re capable of then *it will be an exciting game of cricket.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Hollie Armitage
Head Coach: Dani Hazell
2023 finish: Fourth
2023 highest run-scorer: Hollie Armitage (216)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Katie Levick (12)
The big question: The Diamonds were hurt by last season’s group-stage exit, missing out on Finals Day following a last-day defeat to ‘Roses’ rivals Thunder, who qualified instead. Diamonds fell away having started with four wins. Can they use the painful memories positively this season?
Player to watch: Leg-spinners in short-form cricket are gold dust, and in experienced campaigner Katie Levick the Diamonds have the very best in English domestic cricket. In 21 Charlotte Edwards Cup appearances, she has two five-wicket hauls to her name.
Young gun: All-rounder Phoebe Turner, 20, is one to watch. A developing seamer and a middle order batter with power and poise, she is a confident cricketer who has enjoyed an excellent start to the season in 50-over cricket with the ball, claiming 10 wickets.
Final thought: The Diamonds have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season in the 50-over Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, winning four of their first six matches. They are a team with experience of big matches having reached four finals in all across the two formats since 2020. They won’t be favourites for this title, but write them off at your peril.
CLASSIC MATCH
We head back to August 2021 for the classic match between the two sides.
The game took place at Chester le Street and saw Western Storm claim the four points courtesy of a four wicket victory.
Sophie Luff won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Fi Morris and Nicole Harvey both claimed a brace as the hosts were restricted to 110 for nine from their 20 overs.
Storm slipped to 14 for three but 60 not out from Luff ensured that her side reached their target with three balls to spare.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
For further matchday information please use the below link to the official Yorkshire CCC match guide.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Wednesday June 19th when we take on Sunrisers at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
Tickets are still available.
