2024 RHFT Preview: Western Storm v Northern Diamonds
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Northern Diamonds in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at Cheltenham College tomorrow (Sunday July 7th).
This 50-over match will get underway at 10:30am.
This match is covered by Western Storm Membership.
Tickets for this match 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 England internationals Heather Knight, Dani Gibson and Lauren Filer.
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Emma Corney, Fran Wilson, Claire Nicholas, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Niamh Holland, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Ellie Anderson, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “We’re a young unit who are learning the job in the performance arena. Because of that we will make mistakes and we need to understand that help the players through this. They can only come out of this stronger and better.”We train really well, but what we need to do is play more cricket and help the players understand more about playing the game.
“We’ve had a practice game this week and we played some good cricket with the bat and with the ball. We now have the opportunity to get back out there against a very good Northern Diamonds side. Hopefully, we can take the recent learnings out on to the park at Cheltenham.
“The festival weeks are unique to cricket and we’re all looking forward to the next two games at Cheltenham. It’s a lovely place to play and we always get good support there.”
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Hollie Armitage
Head coach: Dani Hazell
2023 finish: Sixth
2023 highest run-scorer: Lauren Winfield-Hill (663)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Katie Levick (24)
Key winter moves: Experienced Australian all-rounder Erin Burns has signed an overseas deal through to the start of The Hundred in July, and emerging fast bowler Sophia Turner has moved across the Pennines permanently following a brief loan spell last September. Director of cricket James Carr departed this winter.
The big question: Can the Diamonds repeat their glorious 2022 title triumph? A number of experienced heads at the heart of that campaign – Jenny Gunn, Linsey Smith to name just two – departed immediately afterwards, paving the way for a core of homegrown youngsters to come through. The hope is they are now ready to challenge the Southern Vipers again.
Player to watch: Captain Hollie Armitage has only recently made her senior England debut and also captained England A this winter. Her top-order runs will be key, while she should chip in with her handy leg-spinners. Widely regarded as one of the best captains on the circuit.
Final thought: The Diamonds have a number of talented youngsters capable of winning matches. Grace Hall, Lizzie Scott, Phoebe Turner and Jess Woolston are amongst them. But key to their hopes of success will be the continued excellence of local legends Lauren Winfield-Hill and Katie Levick, who finished last season’s competition as its leading run-scorer and second leading wicket-taker respectively.
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 July 10th when we take on The Blaze at Cheltenham College in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
This match is covered by Western Storm Membership.
Tickets for this match are still available.
