2024 RHFT Preview: Western Storm v Southern Vipers
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Southern Vipers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol tomorrow (Saturday May 4th).
This 50-over match will get underway at 10:30am.
This match is included in 2024 Western Storm Membership.
Tickets for this fixture are still available.
Western Storm are currently fifth in the table with nine points from four matches following back-to-back wins over Thunder and South East Stars, whilst Southern Vipers are third with 14 points from the same number of fixtures.
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 welcome back England Internationals Heather Knight, Lauren Filer and Dani Gibson but Emma Corney is still unavailable due to a shoulder injury.
A starting XI will be named from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Dani Gibson, Heather Knight, Fran Wilson, Nat Wraith, Katie Jones, Alex Griffiths, Lauren Filer, Niamh Holland, Jess Hazell, Mollie Robbins, Gemma Lane, Amanda Jade Wellington, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Ellie Anderson, Claire Nicholas, Lola Harris, Imogen Cooper and Emily Geach.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Ahead of the game, Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “Obviously, our aim will be to make it three wins in a row. I was really impressed with how we went about things with the bat against Stars, and the partnership between Fran and Sophie was outstanding.
“Having said that, we’ve reflected on the whole performance and we’ve all agreed that our bowling and fielding wasn’t where we want it to be. We’ve been working on that and it’s exciting because it shows that we’ve got plenty more in the tank when it comes to those two areas.
“We’re excited to get back out there this weekend for another home fixture. We’re always well supported in Bristol by the fans and the County Club, so we’re looking forward to another great game.
“Vipers are a strong side who always seem to find a way to win games no matter what position they are in, so we have to make sure that we bring our best performance and play to the standards that we know we’re capable of.”
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Georgia Adams
Head Coach: Charlotte Edwards
2023 finish: Winners
2023 highest run-scorer: Georgia Adams (546)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Georgia Adams (20)
Key winter moves: Freya Davies arrives from South East Stars to bolster the fast bowling unit after losing her England contract. Australian spin bowling all-rounder Charli Knott has been recruited for the majority of the summer after an eye-catching WBBL series.
The big question: Can they win it again? 2023 was quietly a difficult summer, despite winning the double, due to England availability. 2024 will likely test their squad depths once again but they’ll still be favourites to make it four RHFT successes out of five.
Player to watch: Mary Taylor burst onto the scene with 14 RHFT wickets last year – only four pace bowlers claimed more. Tall, bowls with good pace and has skills to expose batters; she spent this winter with England Under 19s alongside fellow Vipers Ava Lee and Abi Norgrove.
Final thought: Having reached the final in nine of the 11 competitions they have been a part of (winning six of them) and developed countless players for England (11 current Vipers wore an England shirt at some point this winter), 2024 should be a victory lap for the Vipers and leave as the undisputed queens of the KSL and regional eras.
NEXT MATCH
Western Storm’s next match is on Wednesday May 8th when we take on The Blaze at Trent Bridge in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Tickets for this match are also still available.
