In a rain-shortened Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy match at Taunton’s Cooper Associates Ground, Thunder emerged victorious over Western Storm by two runs via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern Method.
Thunder captain Eleanor Threlkeld played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 69 to guide her team to a total of 216 for 9 from 50 overs. Alice Clarke contributed 41, while Grace Johnson chipped in with 23. However, three self-inflicted run outs marred Thunder’s innings.
Western Storm’s Australian international Amanda-Jade Wellington proved to be a thorn in Thunder’s side, claiming 2 for 28 from 10 overs. Mollie Robbins also impressed with 3 for 28, keeping things tight with her new ball and death bowling.
Chasing a revised target of 71 from 20 overs, Storm appeared in control with openers Emma Corney and Sophia Smale getting them off to a solid start. However, the experienced duo of Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson failed to accelerate the scoring rate, leaving Storm short of the DLS requirement.
As the rain intensified, umpires Mark Newell and Fiona Richards were forced to abandon the game with Storm on 69 for 2 after 20 overs. Luff and Wilson remained unbeaten on 16 and 13, respectively.
Threlkeld’s innings was a masterclass in adaptability, as she adjusted her game to the challenging conditions and the loss of wickets around her. Her unbeaten half-century ensured that Thunder had a competitive total to defend.
Despite the disappointment of not being able to complete the match, Storm can take solace in the fact that they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. With the season drawing to a close, they will be looking to finish on a high note in their remaining fixtures.
