Heyhoe Flint Trophy Essentials: Western Storm v North West Thunder

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: Western Storm v North West Thunder

Venue: County Ground, Bristol

Dates: Saturday, May 29, 2021

Start time: 10.30am 

What's the lowdown?

Western Storm had a strong season in 2020, finishing second in the South Group with four wins and two defeats. Sophie Luff’s side completed the double over South East Stars and Sunrisers but were no match for eventual champions Southern Vipers, losing by 22 runs in Bristol and 32 runs in Southampton.

North West Thunder, meanwhile, had mixed form. Starting their season with a narrow four-run win over Lightning, Alex Hartley’s team slumped to three consecutive at the hands of Central Sparks (twice) and Northern Diamonds before completing the double over Lightning in their penultimate match. Unfortunately, they couldn’t carry the winning momentum into their final fixture, losing to Diamonds by six wickets to finish third in the North group.

The tournament’s geographical division kept these two sides apart last season so Saturday’s clash in Bristol will be an historic first encounter.

Who should I watch out for?

The availability of Heather Knight is a huge boost for Storm. The England captain scored 158 runs in two appearances last season and will likely cause chaos at the top of the order with club captain Sophie Luff, who scored a team-leading 339 runs in 2020.

19-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Nat Wraith is an exciting talent to keep a weather eye on while Fi Morris and Georgia Hennessey should impress with the ball. The duo took 11 wickets apiece in six appearances last season.

Batters Emma Lamb and Georgie Boyce are in good form for Thunder, scoring 233 runs and 179 runs, respectively, in four Women’s County Championship innings for Lancashire. Alex Hartley also have a new signing in their ranks in Australian Piepa Cleary. The 24-year-old opening bowler has taken 54 T20 wickets and 44 List A wickets in her career and adds valuable experience to the side.

What's the team news?

Western Storm have three England players at their disposal for their season opener against Thunder, with Knight, pace bowler Anya Shrubsole, and allrounder Katie George in their 18-strong squad.

Likewise, Thunder also have plenty of England talent in their squad, including current contract holders Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone, and 2017 Cricket World Cup winner Alex Hartley.

Both sides are expected to be full strength for Saturday’s fixture, with Piepa Cleary possibly making her debut for Thunder.  

Western Storm squad: Sophie Luff, Fi Morris, Georgia Hennessy, Nat Wraith, Dani Gibson, Alex Griffiths, Heather Knight, Anya Shrubsole, Katie George, Nicole Harvey, Lauren Parfitt, Lauren Filer, Mollie Robbins, Emma Corney, Steph Hutchins, Emily Edgcombe

North West Thunder squad: Alex Hartley, Georgie Boyce, Nat Brown, Alice Clarke, Piepa Cleary, Danielle Collins, Kate Cross, Rebecca Duckworth, Alice Dyson, Sophie Ecclestone, Liberty Heap, Laura Jackson, Hannah Jones, Emma Lamb, Laura Marshall, Daisy Mullan, Ellie Threlkeld, Sophie Turner

Latest Western Storm news: Click here

Latest North West Thunder news: Click here

What's the weather forecast?

Dry and cloudy conditions are forecast in Bristol on Saturday, with temperatures hovering between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius.

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

How do I follow the match?

TV/stream: To be confirmed.

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 £10 for adults and £5 for juniors.

Click here to visit the Western Storm box office.

Travel

Address: The County Ground, Bristol, BS7 9EJ

Parking: To be confirmed.

By train: The nearest train station to the Bristol County Ground is Montpelier, which is approximately one mile from the club and is connected with other modes of public transport. The station has direct lines through to Bristol Temple Meads and a regular schedule to Bristol Parkway.

By bus: The Bristol County Ground is easily accessible by bus with services 17, 70/71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2 all running within a five-minute walk of the main entrance. Use stops on the nearby Gloucester Road for Services 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2, Muller Road for Service 17 and Ashley Down Road for Service 70. All buses operate at regular intervals throughout the day.

Prediction?

A close encounter but the twin threat of Knight and Shrubsole could edge it for Western Storm.