2024 RHFT Preview: Central Sparks v Western Storm
THE MATCH
Western Storm take on Central Sparks at New Road, Worcester in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy tomorrow (Friday July 12th).
Play is due to start at 10:30am.
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, Issy Wong, 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: “It’s the last game before we break for The Hundred and everyone is keen to get out there and put in a good performance.
“Last time out against The Blaze, I thought we gave ourselves a good platform with the bat but then we let it slip at the end. We were 30-odd runs short and there’s a real desire to put things right against Sparks tomorrow.
“We’re frustrated not to be getting results. The players have the skills to be able to compete but we are just making a few mistakes. Hopefully, we can head into this break by getting a positive result.”
THE OPPOSITION
Captain: Eve Jones
Head Coach: Lloyd Tennant
2023 finish: Fifth
2023 highest run-scorer: Eve Jones (440)
2023 highest wicket-taker: Georgia Davis (27)
Key winter moves: New Zealand international Justine Dunce has brought her experience to Sparks to assist Lloyd Tennant and Dominic Ostler in the coaching set-up. No player signings.
The big question: Can the Sparks’ on-field results reflect sustained investment in their playing squad and coaching staff, and a pre-season trip to Mumbai, as they seek the consistency needed to finally bring some silverware to the West Midlands?
Player to watch: Georgia Davis. An excellent 2023 season earned the off-spinner selection for England A in the winter. Quitting the police to become a full-time cricketer has moved her game to another level and she could soon be knocking on the senior England team’s door.
Final thought: With plenty of talent in the squad and a number of individuals, having come through the Sparks pathway, gaining international recognition, it is time the sum of the parts added up to a trophy-winning whole.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you are attending the match please click the link below for further matchday information.
NEXT MATCH
Our next match is on Monday August 26th when we take on Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
Tickets for this match are still available.
