2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Preview: Thunder v Western Storm
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Thunder in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Emirates Old Trafford tomorrow (Saturday April 27th).
This 50-over match will get underway at 10:30am.
Tickets for this fixture 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, whilst Emma Corney misses out due to a shoulder injury.
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Dani Gibson, Fran Wilson, Claire Nicholas, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Lauren Filer, Niamh Holland, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “The game against Diamonds on Wednesday could have gone either way and I was pleased by our response with the bat. To be able to post 265 shows that we have a depth of quality and I was pleased with how we went about it compared to Saturday against Sunrisers.
“We’ve had some really good reflections over the last few days. There are a lot of things that we’re doing right, but there are a few things that we need to keep raising our game on. It’s all about small margins. There are no easy games in this competition and we need to make sure that we keep doing the small things really well.
“Thunder are a good side and they had a good win over Sunrisers this week. It won’t be an easy game and we need to focus on what we need to do, but hopefully we can get our first win this weekend.”
CLASSIC MATCH
We go back to 2022 for our classic 50-over clash between the two sides at Emirates Old Trafford.
Sophie Luff won the toss and elected to field.
Thunder started solidly and Deandra Dottin and Seren Smale shared an opening stand of 87 before the West Indian star was dismissed for 46 courtesy of a Fran Wilson catch off the bowling of Chloe Skelton.
Smale went on to make 57 before Skelton took a catch off her own bowling to remove the opener. There were also useful contributions from Danielle Collins (32), Ellie Threlkeld (30) and Liberty Heap (36 off 18 balls) as the hosts posted a total of 242 for five from their 50 overs.
A brief shower meant that Storm were chasing a revised target of 239 in 48 overs.
Emma Corney and Alex Griffiths put on 53 for the opening wicket, but the visitors slipped to 115 for four. However, Dani Gibson (56 from 40) and Nat Wraith (32 from 30) shared a fifth wicket stand of 81 to put Storm back on top.
Storm reached their target with 21 balls to spare to win by two wickets.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Ellie Threlkeld
Head Coach: Chris Read
2023 finish: Seventh
2023 highest run-scorer: Ellie Threlkeld (287)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Olivia Bell (14)
Key winter moves: Former England men’s wicketkeeper Chris Read has replaced Paul Shaw as head coach. Australian top order batters Katie Mack and Georgia Voll will share overseas duties through the competition. Mack starts and finishes the campaign, while Voll, who also bowls handy off-spin, plays four games in the middle.
The big question: Thunder have struggled to make an impression in this competition, winning only nine of 34 matches across four seasons. But an emerging squad has shown shoots of progression in that time. Can they rubber-stamp that progression with success this year and can Read provide the missing ingredient?
Player to watch: A few candidates for this tag, but Stockport-born Scotland off-spinner Olivia Bell broke through to senior cricket in stunning fashion last season, claiming 25 wickets in 11 regional appearances, including 14 in four in this competition. Signed her maiden pro contract with Thunder this winter.
Final thought: While Thunder struggled in this competition last season, winning only three times, a run to Finals Day in the Charlotte Edwards Cup has given the squad huge belief. They truly feel they can be a force to be reckoned with this season. New coach Read, alongside highly-rated captain Ellie Threlkeld, have now put the emphasis more on performance than progression.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
For further matchday information please visit the Lancashire CCC website.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Wednesday May 1st when we take on South East Stars at The Cooper Associates County Ground in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
This match is included in 2024 Western Storm Membership
Tickets for this match are also still available.
