Heyhoe Flint Trophy Essentials: Southern Vipers v Lightning

Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast and everything else you need to know ahead of the first round of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy...

Fixture: Southern Vipers v Lightning

Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton

Dates: Saturday, May 29, 2021

Start time: 10.30am 

What's the lowdown?

Southern Vipers are the reigning champions and have never lost in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, having gone unbeaten through last year's tournament. Georgia Adams was the leading run-scorer, Charlotte Taylor was the leading wicket-taker. Their challenge now is to retain their title under the guidance of head coach Charlotte Edwards.

For Lightning, powered by the brilliant Bryce sisters, this will be their first meeting with Vipers in this post-Kia Super League guise, having not come up against them last year.

Who should I watch out for?

For Vipers, how Adams fares with a target on her back will be fascinating; much has been said and written about her possible England chances - especially if she can maintain her remarkable record from last season.

For Lightning, the Scotland-born trio of Kathryn and Sarah Bryce, as well as left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon, gives Rob Taylor's side a strong core. Their challenge will come in maximising the performances of those around them: Michaela Kirk is one to watch.

What's the team news?

Southern Vipers squad: Georgia Adams, Carla Rudd, Lauren Bell, Paige Scholfield, Maia Bouchier, Charlotte Taylor, Charlie Dean, Emily Windsor, Georgia Elwiss, Danni Wyatt, Ella McCaughan, Alice Monaghan, Tara Norris

Lightning squad: Kathryn Bryce, Sarah Bryce, Lucy Higham, Bethan Ellis, Abigail Freeborn, Leah Kellogg, Grace Ballinger, Alicia Presland, Nancy Harman, Shachi Pai, Sophie Munro, Teresa Graves, Kirstie Gordon, Tammy Beaumont, Yvonne Graves, Sonia Odedra, Michaela Kirk, Beth Harmer

Latest Southern Vipers news: Click here

Latest Lightning news: Click here

What's the weather forecast?

Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for the Ageas Bowl: Click here

How do I follow the match?

TV/stream: Southern Vipers will be live-streaming the game from their website 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

Tickets cost £7 for adults and £3 for under-17s in advance, with adult prices rising to £10 on matchdays.

Click here to visit the Southern Vipers box office for games at the Ageas Bowl.

Travel

Address: Ageas Bowl, Botley Rd, West End, Southampton SO30 3XH

Walking: If you are walking to The Ageas Bowl, make your way along Botley Road until you reach Marshall Drive and the giant set of cricket stumps.

Then walk up Marshall Drive and head straight over the roundabout for the ground

By train: Hedge End train station is less than two miles away, approximately a 35-minute walk from The Ageas Bowl.

The No.8 bus service connects the stadium with Hedge End train station, Southampton Civic Centre or Southampton City Centre.

By car: The Ageas Bowl is just 1.2 miles from the M27, Junction 7. When exiting the motorway follow signs for The Ageas Bowl.

The Ageas Bowl offers complimentary parking for those attending meetings, weddings or events at the venue.

Cycling: There is also a free bicycle storage facility. This is located near the Hampshire Wellbeing Centre, located opposite the East Gate of the main stadium.

Prediction?

Southern Vipers will begin as the team to beat, and it is difficult to see them losing that title in the first game. Home win.

OTHER ROUND 1 MATCH PREVIEWS

Northern Diamonds v Central Sparks

Sunrisers v South East Stars

Western Storm v North West Thunder