Preview: Western Storm vs Central Sparks (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy)
In their first game in the final block of fixtures in the 2024 season, Sparks travel to Taunton for the second time this year. After winning there in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, it's time for a return to 50 over action post The Hundred.
Match Details:
Game - Western Storm vs Central Sparks
Competition - Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Venue - Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Date - Monday 26 August 2024
Start time - 10:30am
Sparks, still led by interim Head Coach Darren Franklin, head into the game away in the South West sitting at the foot of the RHFT table, needing a win to kickstart a positive end to the season. After reaching finals day of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, Sparks' electric T20 form hasn't yet translated to one day cricket.
The last game played was before The Hundred commenced, which was against Storm and before that Lancashire Thunder visited the West Midlands.
Sparks do have a good record at Taunton, having won their last two games at the home of Somerset. Both of those wins came in the T20 competition, and the side captained by Eve Jones will be bouyed by the chance to end the season on a high, which can start on the road on Monday.
The Opposition:
Western Storm are placed just one spot above Sparks in the standings, looking to finish the season strongly. Storm's most recent win came against Sparks, but haven't been able to make a run of wins stick in the RHFT which sees them at the wrong end of the table.
Sparks loanees Issy Wong and Ellie Anderson have been performing well in West Country, Anderson with a handful of wickets for the stormtroppers. With three wins from the 10 games so far, Storm will be wanting to climb the table with four games remaining.
Their leading runscorer in the competiton in 2024 is Emma Corney, with overseas spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington with the most wickets.
Past Meetings:
Other than the meeting back in July, the sides have met one other time so far in 2024 which was a win for Sparks. With the two sharing the points in the two matches this season, Monday's game in Taunton is an exciting prospect.
For Sparks' last win over Storm in 50 over cricket, you have to go back to September last year, where overseas batter Maddy Green hit an impressive (63) to guide Sparks to an important win. A win which kept the side's hopes of a RHFT sem-final place alive.
Team News:
The Sparks squad will be released through our social media channels later on Sunday.
How to watch:
Tickets for the game are availbale online through the host county Somerset here, alternatively, the game will be live streamed by Somerset and Western Storm.
Comments