KIA Super League Preview: Western Storm v Southern Vipers

THE MATCH

Western Storm continue the defence of their Kia Super League title when they take on Southern Vipers at the Brightside Ground, Bristol tomorrow (Saturday).

Play is due to get underway at 2:30pm

Tickets are still available for this match and can be purchased here.

Tickets will also be available on the day.

HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?

You can keep up to date with the action Twitter

In addition to this a report on the day’s play along with quotes will be posted after the close.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two teams have met on five occasions with Western Storm currently having the bragging rights with three victories to the Vipers two.

The last time they clashed was at the end of July when faced off at Arundel.

Storm skipper Heather Knight won the toss and elected to field.

Southern Vipers lost their top three with just 35 on the board but 31 from Sara McGlashan helped to steady the ship. However, the Storm bowlers continued to dominate and the hosts were bowled out for just 91 from 18.1 overs.

Claire Nicholas was the pick of the Storm bowlers, claiming two for 17.

Rachel Priest and Smriti Mandhana put on 39 for the opening wicket before the former was dismissed for 30 from just 14 balls.

Mandhana (43 not out) was then joined in the middle by Knight (18 not out) and the two knocked off the remaining runs to see Storm to victory by nine wickets.

TEAM NEWS

Head Coach, Trevor Griffin will pick the starting XI from the following squad:

Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole, Fran Wilson, Stafanie Taylor, Smriti Mandhana, Rachel Priest, Sophie Luff, Freya Davies, Claire Nicholas, Lauren Parfitt, Danielle Gibson, Lissy McLeod, Amara Carr, Naomi Dattani and Rebecca Silk.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Ahead of this match Western Storm Head Coach, Trevor Griffin said: “The Vipers won their last game so they will be looking to continue their strong finish to the season and I’m sure they will want to put one over on us.

“We’re expecting a tough game and the matches between the two sides are always competitive and it’s a challenge that we are looking forward to. Although we haven’t mathematically reached Finals Day yet, a win would mean that we would definitely qualify and that has to be our goal tomorrow.

“When we last played them we won by nine wickets and the girls were really on form that day and it was one of best performances so far this season. Having said that, I don’t feel like we’ve been at our absolute best yet in the tournament.”

IS THIS MATCH INCLUDED IN MY MEMBERSHIP?

This match is included in 2018 Somerset and Gloucestershire Membership categories.

WHAT TIME DO GATES OPEN?

Gates will open at 12:30pm with play due to get underway 2:30pm.

PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

All the information that you require about getting to the Brightside Ground Ground can be found by clicking here