2024 CEC Preview: Western Storm v Southern Vipers
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol tomorrow (Sunday June 9th).
This match is a double header with Gloucestershire’s Vitality Blast fixture with Sussex Sharks.
Western Storm v Southern Vipers begins at 10:30am with Gloucestershire v Sussex Sharks set to get underway at 2:30pm.
Please note that this match is NOT included in 2024 Western Storm Membership.
Tickets for this fixture are still available.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
For further matchday information please use the below link to the official Gloucestershire CCC visitor guide.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE CCC VISITOR GUIDE
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 Dani Gibson, but Heather Knight and Lauren Filer will be available for this fixture
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Heather Knight, Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Niamh Holland, Jess Hazell, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Lauren Filer, Issy Wong, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Ellie Anderson, Sophia Smale, Katie Jones, Claire Nicholas, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “We love playing at our home grounds. We’re always well supported in Bristol and everyone is looking forward to playing in another double header.
“Vipers are always a strong side and like everyone else they will be looking to get a run of wins together. They are well drilled and have had a lot of success over the years. We just need to focus on our game and execute our skills. We’ve made positive strides and we’re looking forward to the challenge that Vipers will provide.”
PURPLE FAMILY DAY
This double header fixture is Gloucestershire’s Purple Family Day.
As part of Sunday’s T20 double-header with Western Storm, Gloucestershire will wear a purple T20 playing shirt to raise vital funds for bereavement charity Grief Encounter.
100% of the proceeds from shirt sales will go to Grief Encounter, the incredible charity that supported Gloucestershire spinner Tom Smith and his two daughters following the death of Tom’s wife, Laura, in 2018.
Supporters are encouraged to wear their own purple colours to support on the day.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Georgia Adams
Head Coach: Charlotte Edwards
2023 finish: Winners
2023 highest run-scorer: Danni Wyatt (273)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Anya Shrubsole & Linsey Smith (13)
The big question: Will it be a three-peat? Vipers have won the past two editions of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, and have only lost two matches in that period. When everyone is available the line-up looks formidable.
Player to watch: Georgia Adams is simply the best regional player never to have played for England. She glistens after taking home the PCA’s overall MVP plus, the individual CEC and RHFT awards last season. Expects more runs, more wickets, and incredible captaincy.
Young gun: Charli Knott has settled in at Vipers like a homegrown player. The Australian has mixed heavy scoring with the bat with pressure-building off-spin in the RHFT, and the 21-year-old has serious T20 pedigree having been named the Young Gun at last winter’s WBBL.
Final thought: ‘Little Lottie’ has found a nice home on the south coast and ‘Lottie’ does not want to relinquish her. Six England call-ups will throttle the first couple of matches but once Vipers are at full strength they have a line-up that could mix it at international level. Anya Shrubsole’s retirement does leave a bowling hole, but winter recruit Freya Davies should fill that.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Thursday June 13th when we take on Thunder at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
This match is a double header with Glamorgan’s Vitality Blast clash with Hampshire Hawks and is therefore NOT included in Western Storm Membership.
Tickets for this double header are still available.
