Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the next round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy...
Fixture: Northern Diamonds v Western Storm
Venue: Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street
Dates: Friday, September 10, 2021
Start time: 10.30am
What's the lowdown?
Northern Diamonds come into this one fresh on the back of their second successive final defeat, having lost last year's Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy showpiece and last week's Charlotte Edwards Cup finale, beating Southern Vipers in the eliminator before coming up short against South East Stars.
They were near-perfect in the first half of the 50-over group staeg earlier this summer, entering this clash with a nine-point lead over Western Storm, who have won just once so far. No team has a better net run rate than Northern Diamonds, who sit second and in one of two playoff places at present; only Sunrisers - still without a point - have a worse net run rate than Storm.
Who should I watch out for?
Sterre Kalis and Lauren Winfield-Hill have made 119 runs each so far in the 50-over tournament, with Winfield-Hill available for selection after being left out of England's T20I squad for the ongoing series against New Zealand. She will likely return to the fold for the five subsequent ODIs, so Diamonds will want the most out of her while she is available.
With the ball, Diamonds have been indebted to the experience of Beth Langston, Jenny Gunn and Katie Levick, while left-armer Rachel Slater has impressed since arriving on the regional scene. Katherine Brunt is their leading wicket-taker in the Heyhoe Flint Trophy but is on international duty.
Likewise, Storm are without their England stars, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole: Knight is their leading run-getter and Shrubsole top of their wicket-taking stakes alongside Lauren Filer and Georgia Hennessy. As ever, Storm will be reliant on the runs of captain Sophie Luff.
What's the team news?
Northern Diamonds squad: Hollie Armitage, Ami Campbell, Leah Dobson, Helen Fenby, Phoebe Graham, Jenny Gunn, Bess Heath, Rachel Hopkins, Sterre Kalis, Beth Langston, Katie Levick, Alex MacDonald, Rachel Slater, Linsey Smith, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Western Storm squad: Sophie Luff, Fi Morris, Georgia Hennessey, Danielle Gibson, Nat Wraith, Alex Griffiths, Katie George, Nicola Harvey, Lauren Parfitt, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Emma Corney, Steph Hutchins, Emily Edgcombe, Niamh Holland, Bethan Gammon
Latest Northern Diamonds news: Click here
Latest Western Storm news: Click here
What's the weather forecast?
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Chester-le-Street: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Northern Diamonds will offer live coverage of the match via their website: Click here
Radio: BBC Local Radio and the BBC Sport website will carry updates of the game.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and reports from every Women's Regional Competition match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our Women's Regional Hub for more.
Going to the game?
Tickets
Adults are £5, juniors are £1.
Click here to buy through the Durham box office.
Travel
Address: Durham County Cricket Club, Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR
By car: The ground is situated a mile outside Chester-le-Street. There are two car parks at the ground.
The Emirates Riverside has a designated drop-off and pick-up point for all cars and taxis.
A road closure may be in place on B1284 Rotary Way immediately play finishes. The club say it is advisable for vehicles to be at the pick-up point approximately 15 minutes before close of play. All vehicles must turn left when exiting from the pick-up point.
Details regarding road closures for major events will be made available on the Durham CCC website two to three weeks prior to the event taking place.
By public transport: Chester-le-Street rail station is served by Northern Rail, CrossCountry & First TransPennine trains. The station is a 20-minute walk from the ground. East Coast services stop at both Durham and Newcastle instead.
There is a shuttle bus service available from Durham Station to and from Emirates Riverside.
Several buses beginning their journeys in Newcastle stop near the Riverside.
Prediction?
Northern Diamonds should be too strong for Western Storm, even with last weekend's final defeat in their minds.
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