Western Storm 2020 Season Awards

Today Western Storm marked the end of the season by announcing the winners of their 2020 awards.

This year saw Western Storm compete in the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy, and throughout the competition there were a number of standout performances as they finished second in the South Group.

During today’s virtual awards event the management team of Western Storm announced the 2020 season award winners.

Once again it was an impressive year for Sophie Luff. The captain featured in all six matches in the competition and led from the front. The 27-year-old scored 339 runs at an average of 67.80 with a best of 104 not out.

Her outstanding performances throughout the tournament saw her receive the Players’ Player of the Year and Batter of the Year awards.

After the results were announced, Head Coach, Mark O’Leary was full of praise for his skipper. “She’s had a fantastic year,” he said. “She is exemplary both on and off the field. She’s the ultimate pro. She wants to succeed, she works so hard at everything she does, and she’s reaped the rewards of that this season.

“Whenever you award someone the captaincy there is always a little worry that it might affect their game, but Sophie’s just thrived on it. She’s such a great person to have around the team. She’s a warrior who wants to succeed and wants her teammates to do well.”

Bowler of the Year was awarded to Fi Morris. The 26-year-old was Western Storm’s joint leading wicket taker this season, claiming 11 wickets at an average of 21.81 with a best of five for 26 against Sunrisers at Chelmsford.

Mark O’Leary was once again of the opinion that the award went to a deserving winner. “She worked really hard during the build up to the season and she’s a great all-round cricketer,” he said. “She’s very consistent with the ball, she’s a great competitor and she’s always keen to learn and develop as a player.”

Performance of the Year went to Georgia Hennessy for her 105 against Sunrisers at the Bristol County Ground. Her innings came from 110 balls and included 14 fours. Georgia came to the crease with Western Storm on 45 for two, which soon became 69 for four. However, the 24-year-old, who was well supported by Alex Griffiths (80 from 68), helped Storm post a total of 288 for six, which proved to be too much for the visitors.

It was a performance that impressed the Head Coach. “It was a superb innings,” said Mark. “She demonstrated some great power hitting and some of the shots she played that day were a delight to watch.

“She’s been unbelievable this year. She brings a great attitude to the team and she always wants to succeed and do well.”

The Supporters’ Player of the Year was Alex Griffiths. Nearly 700 Western Storm supporters voted for this award which was presented to the 17-year-old who scored 141 runs at an average of 35.25 with a best of 80 from 68 balls against Sunrisers at Bristol. She also claimed three important wickets during the competition.

Mark O’Leary said: “She opened the bowling for us on a number of occasions and did well. She’s certainly a talent with a bright future ahead of her.”