Western Storm vs Sunrisers at Cardiff (Sophia Gardens) on April 20 (10h30)
Sunrisers chalked-up their fifth consecutive win at fifty overs, although on this occasion both sides played just over thirty overs apiece. Key to Sunrisers’ victory were two 3-fers: from seamer Nicola Hancock (Australian on short-term contract); also from leg-spinner Jodi Grewcock (England u19s – just returned from high humidity conditions when playing in Sri Lanka.) After setting themselves a comfortable winning target, Skipper Grace Scrivens 63*not out (pictured) partnered by Cordelia Griffith 28 together added 59 runs for Sunrisers 2nd wicket – the highest batting partnership of the match. That resulted in Sunrisers’ comfortable win, albeit with a slower run-rate. Commentators: Kath Wilkins (Coach and former player, England and Somerset Women); with Dr Hannah Thompson-Radford. Match was played in dry chilly conditions with clear blue sky at first, becoming cloudy later 12C.
Storm’s innings skipper Sophie Luff, with Danni Gibson (England), Sophia Smale (England u19s), Fran Wilson (ex-England) & Amanda-Jade Wellington (Australia World Cup winner & big-bash league.) [*Amara Carr keeping wicket for Sunrisers] *Batting at No7, Natasha Wraith 42 (52) made top score, striking six ‘fours,’ also ensuring Storm chalked-up three figures. *After ten overs’ power-play, Storm batters were ’looking solid’ on 33/1. *Storm reached 88/7 by midway (drinks.) *Sunrisers ‘put pressure’ on Storm’s batters culminating in a ‘dramatic’ batting collapse, having taken five wickets in 8.1 overs.’ *Commentator’s curse struck when Sophie Luff ‘who’d previously made 157′ against the same team, collided with Sophia Smale. *Sophia Smale failing to complete the single whilst finding her feet as Esmae MacGregor removed the bails at the bowler’s end. *Jodi Grewcock who’d previously taken a 3-fer against Storm, last September (at 50 overs during Sept’23) dismissed Storm’s top three batters: Sophie Luff, Danni Gibson and Amanda-Jade Wellington, the latter falling to a ‘great’ diving catch by Grace Scrivens. *‘Looking to sweep,’ Katie Jones went ‘leg-before’ to Mady Villiers. *Fran Wilson chipped a ’simple catch’ to Jo Gardner and Niamh Holland lobbed a return dolly, easily caught-and-bowled by Esmae MacGregor. *Storm’s batting: *Only three batters made double-figures. Natasha Wraith 42(52), Fran Wilson 18(22), Sophia Smale 16(40); *Sunrisers’ bowling: *Seamer Nicola Hancock took 3/15 on debut with best economy. Nicola Hancock 3/15, Jodi Grewcock 3/28, Mady Villiers 2/36, Esmae MacGregor 1/16.
Sunrisers’ Innings skipper Grace Scrivens (England ‘A’) with Jodi Grewcock (England u19s), Mady Villiers (ex-England) & Nicola Hancock (Australian big-bash league: Queensland and Brisbane Heat.) [Nat Wraith keeping wicket for ‘Storm’] *Grace Scrivens 63*not out (98) made top score with 10 ‘fours’, playing a skipper’s innings partnered by Cordelia Griffith 28(48) who struck 4 ‘fours.’ *Ariana Dowse (who’d previously scored a maiden ‘ton’) went first-ball to Amanda-Jade Wellington’s ‘full-toss.’ *Jodi Grewcock (3 ‘fours’) helped see Sunrisers home, winning by their largest ever margin: by 8 wickets with almost 20 overs to spare. *Sunrisers’ batting: Grace Scrivens 63*(98), Cordelia Griffith 28(48), Jodi Grewcock 15*(34); *Storm’s bowling: Amanda-Jade Wellington 1/32; Chloe Skelton 1/32.
Result: Sunrisers 116/2 (33.4/50 overs, 3.44 runs-per-over; target 115 from 50 ov) beat Western Storm 114 ( 30.4/50 overs 3.71 rpo) by eight wickets with 98 balls remaining
*Scorecard courtesy of ECB @URL https://www.ecb.co.uk/rachael-heyhoe-flint-trophy/match-centre/104421#scorecard
*Youtube video <5h17m20s> courtesy of Glamorgan Cricket TV, with highlights edited by NV Play @URL https://westernstorm.co.uk/fixtures-results/#v967b7873-be15-4683-aa64-32c432adda9c
*ECB Reporters network match report @URL https://www.sunriserscricket.com/post/match-report-storm-v-sunrisers
