2024 Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Preview: Western Storm v Sunrisers
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff tomorrow (Saturday April 20th).
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 via the Official Storm YouTube channel.
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: “It’s great to be getting the season underway and the girls are champing at the bit. Everyone’s trained really well, we’re raring to go and we’re all looking forward to it.
“We always get good support at our home grounds and we’re looking forward to playing in front of a good crowd in Cardiff. It’s up to us now to put on a good display for our Members and supporters.
“Getting off to a good start gives you confidence and reinforces the work that everyone’s put in over the winter. You don’t win or lose a competition on the opening day, but it’s always good to hit the ground running.
“Sunrisers are a good side. They’ve recruited well and Nicola Hancock is a quality signing. They’ve got some big hitters and plenty of depth in their spin with Mady Villiers and Grace Scrivens. They finished strongly last year and will certainly provide us with a tough test.”
CLASSIC MATCH
We go back to 2021 for our classic match between the two sides.
The clash occurred in Bristol and it saw Sophie Luff score her highest List A score.
After winning the toss, Luff elected to bat first but Storm lost Lauren Parfitt in the third over, bringing the Storm skipper to the crease.
Luff then proceeded to dominate the Sunrisers attack, amassing 157 as Storm posted a total of 313 for four. Alex Griffiths offered good support, making 55.
Claire Nicholas, Dani Gibson, Nicole Harvey and Georgia Hennessy each claimed two wicket as the visitors were dismissed for 277 in the 45th over as Storm claimed the victory by 36 runs.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Grace Scrivens
Head Coach: Andy Tennant
2023 finish: Fourth
2023 highest run-scorer: Grace Scrivens (398)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Jodi Grewcock/Eva Gray (14)
Key winter moves: Retaining last year’s squad was the top priority and Sunrisers have achieved that, as well as promoting seam prospect Charley Phillips from their Academy programme. Australian bowler Nicola Hancock has joined for the first six games of the tournament.
The big question: After finally breaking their duck in the 50-over format at the start of last season, Sunrisers reeled off five more wins, including four in a row to finish the campaign. Can they pick up where they left off?
Player to watch: Teenager Jodi Grewcock enjoyed a breakout tournament in 2023, developing into a consistent top-order batter and taking wickets regularly with her leg-breaks. Her experience gained on England Under-19s’ recent Sri Lanka tour can only be to Sunrisers’ benefit.
Final thought: Having proved themselves as a competitive unit, the expectations around Sunrisers may be higher than in previous years. However, with their players a year older and wiser and now captained by star all-rounder Grace Scrivens on a permanent basis, Sunrisers should feel optimistic about winning more often than they lose – and maybe even breaking into the top three.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are attending the match please click the link below for further matchday information.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Wednesday April 24th when we take on Northern Diamonds at Headingley in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Tickets for this match are still available.
