2024 RHFT Preview: Western Storm v Central Sparks
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy tomorrow (Monday August 26th)
Tickets for this match are still available.
Storm are currently seventh in the table with 14 points from 10 matches whilst Sparks are eighth with 11 points from the same number of matches.
SCHEDULED HOURS OF PLAY:
Gates will open at 9:30am.
First Innings: 10:30am to 1:45pm
Interval: 1:45pm to 2:30pm
Second Innings: 2:30pm to 5:45pm
*Timings are approximate
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This match is included in all full SCCC Memberships and Western Storm Membership.
The following stands only will be open for this fixture:
- Marcus Trescothick Lower
- The Ondaatje Family Stand
- The Ondaatje Alcohol Free Stand
- Gimblett’s Hill
All Premium Members (Long Room & 1875 Club) will have access to the 1875 Club for this fixture.
The Brian Rose Gates will remain closed for this fixture.
Bag searches will be in operation and spectators are reminded that no glass or sharp implements will be permitted within the Cooper Associates County Ground.
For full Ground Regulations please visit the link below:
Ticket buyers can download their online tickets via their SCCC account.
All ticket or Membership collections will be from the Jack White Gates (St James Street).
The Club Enquiries Desk will be based in the Reception of the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion and not in the Andrew Caddick Pavilion on matchdays.
Due to the busy nature of a matchday, our telephone lines will reopen at 10am on Tuesday August 27th.
Information on everything that you will need for a matchday at SCCC, including how to redeem your guest passes, how to download your e-tickets and how to use the SCCC Ticket App can all be found in our Visiting Guide.
Free scorecards will be available from Reception in the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion.
CATERING
Matchday food and drink will be available from the concession unit in the lower tier of the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?
Our live stream will once again be available for fans to watch via this website and at our YouTube channel.
You can also keep up to date using our dedicated matchday blog via this website’s Match Centre and on our X feed.
In association with Vertu Motors, Somerset County Cricket Club will be providing radio ear pieces to enable Members and supporters to enjoy our live ball-by-ball match commentary. These will be available to purchase from Reception in the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion at a cost of £12 and these will last all season.
In addition to this, a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted on this website.
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Eve Jones
Head Coach: Lloyd Tennant
2022 finish: Fifth
2022 highest run-scorer: Abbey Freeborn (227 runs)
2022 highest wicket-taker: Grace Potts (10 wickets)
Key winter moves: Sparks have been busy throughout the close-season, strengthening the squad with early winter moves to secure left-arm fast bowler Katie George and top-order batter Chloe Brewer and more recently adding the prestige signing of experienced Australian batting all-rounder Erin Burns who will be available from early May to the end of July.
Player to watch: Hannah Baker – Hannah’s leg spin was one of the standouts in England Under-19s’ World Cup campaign in South Africa during the winter. She finished third top wicket-taker in the tournament as England reached the final and will be looking to follow that up with a productive season for Sparks.
TEAM NEWS
Western Storm will be without Heather Knight and Dani Gibson whilst Amanda Jade Wellington misses the match due to the Caribbean Premier League.
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Alex Griffiths, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Niamh Holland, Lauren Filer, Sophia Smale, Issy Wong, Ellie Anderson, Chloe Skelton, Mollie Robbins, Jess Hazell, Claire Nicholas, Gemma Lane, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “We’re excited to have everyone back and there’s still a lot to play for. The players are refreshed and recharged and looking forward to getting back on the pitch. We’re looking forward to finishing the Western Storm story strongly and hopefully we can begin that with a win over Central Sparks in front of a good crowd at Taunton.
“We love playing at Taunton. It’s a place where we are always well supported and we can’t wait to get back out there on a great surface at a great venue with great support. Hopefully, we can put on a good show and entertain those who come and watch.”
NEXT MATCH
Western Strom’s next match is on Saturday August 31st when we take on South East Stars at the County Ground, Beckenham.
Entry to this match is free.
The next match at the Cooper Associates County Ground sees Somerset take on Durham in Division One of the Vitality County Championship.
This four-day fixture gets underway on Thursday August 29th.
Get your tickets now.
