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: Western Storm v Lightning
Venue: The Bristol County Ground, Bristol
Dates: Sunday, September 12, 2021
Start time: 10.30am
What's the lowdown?
Western Storm have fallen adrift of the pack in this year’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. They have won only one fixture out of five - only winless Sunrisers have a worse record. After a heavy defeat to Northern Diamonds on Friday, they have just four points to their name and are 13 points off the knockout spots. They are playing for pride in their final two games.
Lightning, on the other hand, still have slim hopes of reaching the finals. In order to qualify, they require South East Stars to beat the Central Sparks and then for both teams to lose the final rounds of fixtures. Lightning are playing the Central Sparks in the next round and if they can beat them and score a batting bonus point, they can snatch the third spot.
Who should I watch out for?
Western Storm will need Sophie Luff to stand up in the absence of Heather Knight. She is in fine form coming into the game, with two scores of 60 in her last three outings. Bowling is where the Storm have really struggled with Georgia Hennessey, their leading wicket-taker, on only five wickets. They will need her to be at her best in order for them to put up a good fight in this match.
Lightning have it all to play for and will need Kirstie Gordon to continue her fine competition for them to challenge for the final qualifying place. She tops the leaderboard with 11 wickets at an average of 13.36. Kathryn Brice has been the standout performer for Lightning with the bat and has accumulated a handy 187 runs in the competition at 37.40.
What's the team news?
Western Storm will be without England captain Heather Knight as she is away on international duty with teammate Anya Shrubsole. For Lighting, they will have to do without star batter Tammy Beaumont who also is away with England.
Western Storm squad: Fi Morris, Lauren Parfitt, Sophie Luff, Georgia Hennessy, Alex Griffiths, Dani Gibson, Nat Wraith, Nicole Harvey, Chloe Skelton, Claire Nicholas, Lauren Filer
Lightning squad: Sarah Bryce, Bethany Harmer, Kathryn Bryce, Abigail Freeborn, Lucy Higham, Teresa Graves, Ella Claridge, Kirstie Gordon, Sophie Munro, Yvonne Graves, Grace Ballinger, Shachi Pai
Latest Western Storm news: Click here
Latest Lightning news: Click here
What's the weather forecast?
It's a dry and mild day in Bristol with temperatures peaking at 19 degrees Celsius and overcast conditions throughout the day.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Bristol: Click here
How do I follow the match?
TV/stream: Gloucestershire will offer coverage of the game on their Youtube channel. 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 £10, under 18's £5.
Click here to buy through the Gloucestershire box office.
Travel
Address: The Bristol County Ground, Nevil Road, Bristol, BS7 9EJ
By car: The ground is situated in close proximity to the M32 with access to the M4 and M5.
Limited parking is sometimes available in the City of Bristol College car park, however, it is recommended that all visitors should travel to the ground via public transport.
By public transport: The Brightside Ground is easily accessible by bus.
Services 17, 70/71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2 all run within a five-minute walk of the main entrance using stops on the nearby Gloucester Road (Services 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, T2), Muller Road (Service 17) and Ashley Down Road (Service 70).
All buses operate at regular intervals, Service 75 and 76 runs 24 hours a day.
Train journeys from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads take approximately an hour and three quarters.
Prediction?
Western Storm have had a difficult 50-over competition and with little to play for, they will struggle to turnover Lightning who are still in the hunt for third place. Lightning win.
OTHER MATCH PREVIEWS
Central Sparks v South East Stars
Women's Regional Hub
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Charlotte Edwards Cup