Match Preview: Southern Vipers v Western Storm

THE MATCH

Western Storm travel to the AGEAS Bowl tomorrow (Sunday) to take on Southern Vipers in the 2020 Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy.

Play is due to get underway at 10:30am.

HOW CAN I KEEP UP TO DATE?

You can keep up to date with the action on Twitter.

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

TEAM NEWS

Head Coach, Mark O’Leary will pick the starting XI from the following squad: Sophie Luff (c), Fi Morris, Danielle Gibson, Claire Nicholas, Alex Griffiths, Georgia Hennessy, Nat Wraith, Lauren Filer, Steph Hutchins, Lauren Parfitt, Emily Edgcombe, Niamh Holland, Emma Corney, Abbie Whybrow, Olivia Churcher.

LAST TIME OUT

The two sides faced each other at the Bristol County Ground on August 31st with the Vipers coming out on top by 22 runs.

Western Storm won the toss and elected to field.

Georgia Adams (55) and Danni Wyatt (53) ensured that the visitors made a strong start as the pair added 105 for the opening wicket.

Charlotte Dean also added 60 as Southern Vipers posted a total of 261 for seven from their 50 overs. Heather Knight was the pick of the bowlers with two for 36 from her 10 overs.

Storm lost Fi Morris with 19 on the board but a second wicket stand of 130 between Knight (67) and Sophie Luff (60) got the visitors back in to the game.

Lauren Parfitt added a rapid 33 but it wasn’t quite enough as the hosts were victorious in a thrilling encounter.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Ahead of the match Head Coach, Mark O’Leary said: “There’s a good rivalry between the sides from the KSL days, but this is a different competition and a different format.

“I felt that we could have won the game between the two sides earlier in the competition, but we have to put that behind us. If we do the basics right then I’m hopeful that we can come away with a win.

“We’re well in to the competition now and I know how much it would mean for everyone involved to qualify for the final. It’s really important that we take one game at a time and move on from there.”

Western Storm Captain, Sophie Luff said: “I would say that the rivalry with the Vipers is still there. We had some great matches in the KSL and any game against them is very competitive. They beat us at Bristol so we’ll be looking to get a win against them at the AGEAS Bowl on Sunday.”

NEXT MATCH

Western Storm’s next fixture is on Saturday September 19th when we welcome Sunrisers to the Bristol County Ground.