Commentators lauded England skipper Heather Knight (pictured) and former international Fran Wilson for their match-winning century partnership during which both batters scored ‘fifties.’ Setting a new T20 record for Storm’s 3rd wicket, the pair added 111 runs in just 75 balls. Separately, Republic of Ireland internationalOrla Prendergast was Storm’s best bowler, taking 2/36; also scoring a direct-hit at the stumps, similarly achieved by Niamh Holland. Finally, Orla Prendergast (10*not out) scored 5 winning runs, under ‘death-over’ pressure. Commentators added that Thunder were primarily ‘let down’ by fielding ‘errors;’ and ‘yet to win’ this season: in either format played so far (20/50 overs.) Commentators were Ed ‘cricket’ Seabourne (Sports Journalist); Claire B Jenkins (Somerset Cricket); and Hannah Thompson-Radford (HerGameToo & L’boro Univ.) Video highlights from ECB online (NV Play) with match video from Somerset Cricket (for Western Storm) – please see below. Weather was bright with a light cool breeze.
Thunder’s innings *Skipper Ellie Threlkeld. Without Kate Cross. England’s Emma Lamb & Sophie Ecclestone *Internationals Deandre Dottin (ex-WIndies) and Tara Norris (USA.) *England’s Emma Lamb was dropped on 2, given second-life by skipper Luff. *After 6 overs Power-play, Thunder were 53/0. *Together with Libby Heap, the opening pair added 65 for Thunder’s first wicket. *Emma Lamb 36 was stumped by Natasha Wraith, from a defensive shot, from Chloe Skelton’s spin.*Mid-way (10 overs) Thunder were 78/2 *Niamh Holland’s direct shy at the stumps ‘ran out’ Libby Heap, whom commentators agreed was too casual, by failing to ‘ground her bat.’ *3 runs later, commentators announced a ‘game-changing’ moment as Deandre Dottin 10(13) was skittled by Danielle Gibson, missing a ‘square-cut,’ on 79/3. *With 100 runs banked, new recruit Naomi Dattani was ‘run out’ by Orla Prendergast’s direct-hit, risking a ‘single’ from Lauren Filer’s swing-bowling. *Next ball, Sophie Ecclestone was ‘spectacularly’ bamboozled, base of middle stump: placing Lauren Filer on a possible ‘hat-trick.’ After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Thunder were 129/5. *Danielle Collins 15*(15) was given second-life when Natasha Wraith fumbled a stumping on 144/5. *Orla Prendergast’s (2/36) death over took two wickets. *Firstly Fi Morris 13(13) missed a ‘reverse (scoop) paddle,’ only to see her off-stump knocked back. *Secondly skipper Ellie Threlkeld ‘with not much to do,’ lofted a dolly straight to Sophia Smale, fielding in the ‘covers.’
Storm’s innings Skipper Sophie Luff, returned from fractured thumb injury. *England’s skipper Heather Knight & ex-England Fran Wilson. *ROI International Orla Prendergast retained ‘for a few more weeks.’ Storm used 8 bowlers (vs 6.) *Opener Natasha Wraith top-edged vertical ‘steepler’ was dropped by Alex Hartley from Tara Norris, giving second-life to Natasha Wraith (on 11/1.) *During the same over, Natasha Wraith 4(8) was caught by Deandre Dottin. *England hopeful Danielle Gibson 20 (15) was clean-bowled ‘top-of-off-stump,’ by Sophie Ecclestone. *After 6 overs Power-play, Storm were behind on 38/2 (vs 53/0) recovering to 73/2 (vs78/2) by mid-way. *Tables were turned once Storm chalked-up their inaugural century 3rd wicket partnership (131 runs – between Heather Knight and Fran Wilson.) *After 100 balls (16.4 overs) Storm were ahead with three wickets-in-hand 138/2 (vs 129/5.) *Fran Wilson was caught by Fi Morris (who’d earlier fumbled a dropped catch) *On 150/6 Sophie Luff 10(19) was short-lived. *Match reached its climax during final ‘death’ over when Orla Prendergast struck ‘four’ from Naomi Dattani for level-scores. *Next ball, Orla Prendergast nudged a ‘Single’ to win the match for Storm, with 4 balls remaining.
Match summary Thunder openers started well, chalking-up 53/0 during their Power-play. Storm ‘out-performed’ Thunder, whose batting ‘wasn’t backed-up by their bowling.’ Heather Knight and Fran Wilson chalked-up Storm’s inaugural century batting partnership (111 runs from 75 deliveries for 3rd wicket.) Commentators lauded the pair for ‘holding their nerve,’ scoring fifties. Orla Prendergast was Storm’s best bowler and scored winning runs, under ‘death-over’ pressure. Commentators added that overall, Thunder saved 3 ‘fours’ but let themselves down ‘in-the-field.’
Match result: Western Storm Women 155/4 beat North West Thunder Women 154/7 by six wickets, with 4 balls remaining.
Thunder’s batting 154/7 (20/20 overs@7.7 runs-per-over) Emma Lamb 36 (22), Sophie Ecclestone 22(15), Liberty ‘Libby’ Heap 22(26), Danielle Collins 15*(15), Deandre Dottin 10(13), Fi Morris 13(13), Storm’s bowling: Orla Prendergast (2/36), Danielle Gibson 1/22, Chloe Skelton 1/22, Lauren Filer 1/32; Fow 1-65, 2-76, 3-79, 4-109, 5-109, 6-147, 7-153.
Storm’s batting 155/4 (19.2/20 overs@8.01 r-p-o) Heather Knight 62(41), Fran Wilson 53(44), Danielle Gibson 20(15), Orla Prendergast 10*(7); Thunder’s bowling: Sophie Ecclestone 2/19, Tara Norris 1/18, Mahika Gaur 1/28. Fow 1-11, 2-27, 3-138, 4-145.
Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via NV Play on YouTube at URL: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#cdc38bf13-4f50-4dde-b543-741109226324_m8e0999cf-8d43-4a57-8379-d6cc6790f798_~scorecard
Full video, starting from 24m38s/03h33m22s courtesy of Somerset CCC on YouTube at URL at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upsfeVD4H6Y
Western Storm match report at URL: https://westernstorm.co.uk/news/heather-and-fran-steer-storm-to-victory-over-thunder/
Storm awarded 4 points. Latest England and Wales Cricket Board tables at URL: https://www.ecb.co.uk/matches/womens-t20/table
