Western Storm vs North-West Thunder on 29 April 2023 – match 6 RHF- at Cardiff (Sophia Gardens)
Playing without Kate Cross, England’s Emma Lamb staged two batting partnerships for Thunder. Firstly adding 72 runs with skipper Ellie Threlkeld. Lamb also added 69 runs together with former WIndies All-Rounder Deandre Dottin. Storm replied with one decisive partnership between Ireland international Orla Prendergast who scored a maiden century; and England veteran Fran Wilson (pictured) who scored 74*Not out. Commentators were Ed ‘cricket’ Seabourne, Melissa Story (from BBC Radio Solent and 5 Live Sports Xtra), Claire B Jenkins and Leshia Hawkins (Cricket Wales.) Video highlights via ECB online (NV Play) – please see below. Spongy outfield. Weather: clearing fog gave way to grey cloud, with sunny spells appearing toward the end of the match.
Thunder’s innings Skipper Ellie Threlkeld, with debutante teenager Mahika Gaur (UAE international), minus Kate Cross *Thunder lost two early wickets when Naomi Dattani (1) edged behind to keeper Natasha Wraith, from skipper Gibson *Fi Morris (1) was bowled by Lauren Filer – her bales sent flying from an inside edge.*After 10 overs Power-play, Thunder were 40/2. *Thereafter, the bulk of Thunders’ runs came from Emma Lamb’s partnerships firstly adding 72 runs with skipper Threlkeld; *Secondly Lamb added 69 runs together with Deandre Dottin.*Skipper Threlkeld 27(44) was caught-and-bowled by Sophia Smale. *According to Ed Seabourne that was:’Not an easy catch,’ as Sophia Smale faced an ‘awkward landing.’ *By mid-way, Thunder were 125/3. *During the 30th over, Emma Lamb 74(85) top-edged vertically to Fran Wilson, from Chloe Skelton. *Deandre Dottin 41(40) was caught by skipper Gibson from Skelton’s next over. *Breakthrough came when Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap played-on from a fines edge from Lauren Filer. *Also, keeper Natasha Wraith caught Tara Norris off-guard, momentarily overstepping her crease for a stumping from skipper Gibson’s bowling. *Two wickets remained after Chloe Skelton 23(46) skittled Danielle Collins. *Finally, Alex Griffiths skittled newbie Mahika Gaur and England veteran Alex Hartley was ‘run out’ for a second-ball duck.*Thunder were gifted 20 wides.
Storm’s innings Stand-in skipper Danni Gibson, with debutante Ireland international Orla Prendergast, minus Sophie Luff. *Alex Griffiths was ‘leg before’ to newbie left-armer Mahika Gaur’s fifth ball. *Emma Corney edged behind to skipper Threlkeld, from Mahika Gaur *After three overs, Mahika Gaur had taken two quick wickets and conceded just one run. *After ten overs’ Power-play Storm were 38/2 (vs 40/2) *By mid-way, Storm were 118/2 (vs 125/3) *Drama struck when Danielle Collins twisted her ankle, fielding from Emma Lamb’s spin, and the match was paused for drinks on 141/2 (28.1 ov) *Newbie Orla Prendergast 115(115) and England veteran Fran Wilson 74*(100) match-winning partnership lasted for 31 overs, during which 186 runs were added for Storm’s third wicket. *Breakthrough came when Orla Prendergast was clean-bowled by Naomi Dattani and skipper Gibson (1) was caught by Tara Norris at ‘mid-off,’ to chalk-up Mahika Gaur’s 3-fer (3/39.) *With scores tied, and without any run-rate pressure, the winning ‘single’ was struck by Natasha Wraith (6*Not out.)
Match summary Playing without Kate Cross, Thunder’s opener Emma Lamb staged two batting partnerships: firstly adding 72 runs with skipper Ellie Threlkeld. Lamb also added 69 runs together with Deandre Dottin. By mid-way, scores were level-pegging (118/2 vs 125/3.) During the second half, Thunder went on to lose all their wickets. Storm recovered from 2/11. Their third-wicket partnership staged a successful run chase lasting 31 overs between Orla Prendergast (115) who top-scored; and England veteran Fran Wilson (74*.) In conclusion, Storm succeeded in their run-chase to chalk-up their first win. Both teams previously lost their opening matches.
Match result: Western Storm Women 215/4 beat North-West Thunder Women 214/10 by 6 wickets (target 215 from 50 overs) with 51 balls remaining
Thunder batting: 214/10 (4.79 runs-per-over from 44.4/50 overs)
Emma Lamb 74(85), Deandre Dottin 41(40), Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Threlkeld 27(44), Danielle Collins 23(46), Mahika Gaur 10(17)Storm bowling: Chloe Skelton 3/36, Danni Gibson 2/15, Lauren Filer 2/54, Alex Griffiths 1/29, Sophia Smale 1/38. Fow: 1-10, 2-19, 3-91, 4-160, 5-164, 6-189, 7-197, 8-208, 9-214, 10-214.
Storm batting: 215/4 (5.18 r-p-o from 41.3/50 overs) target 215 from 50 overs
Orla Prendergast 115(115), Fran Wilson 74*(100), Chloe Skelton 12(28); Thunder bowling: Mahika Gaur 3/39, Naomi Dattani 1/26; Fow: 1-1, 2-11, 3-197, 4-198.
Scorecard with Video-highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV-Play at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m80e458cd-790d-46ca-9b6b-b2fc321ffecc_~scorecard
Storm awarded 5 points. Thunder ‘nil points’ in 8th place. Latest English Cricket Board tables at URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/matches/rachael-heyhoe-flint/tables
