Western Storm emerged victorious in their Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy opener, crushing Thunder by 66 runs at Emirates Old Trafford. Sophie Luff’s unbeaten 76 anchored Storm’s impressive 252 for 6, while Sophie Ecclestone’s 3-16 threatened to derail their innings.
Despite Ecclestone’s early wickets, Storm rallied with crucial partnerships. Luff and Nat Wraith forged a 70-run alliance, followed by Luff and Niamh Holland’s 46-run stand. Amanda-Jade Wellington’s late cameo of 31 off 19 balls propelled Storm to a challenging total.
Thunder’s chase faltered early with Seren Smale’s dismissal. Emma Lamb and Katie Mack steadied the ship with a 62-run partnership, but Wellington’s double strike and a disastrous spell from Chloe Skelton left Thunder reeling at 104 for 6.
Ellie Threlkeld and Kate Cross briefly revived Thunder’s hopes with a 69-run partnership, but Sophia Smale’s three wickets and Mahika Gaur’s dismissal sealed Storm’s victory.
Storm’s openers, Griffiths and Smale, provided a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership. Griffiths’ dismissal triggered a mini-collapse, but Luff’s resilience and late acceleration, coupled with Wellington’s quickfire knock, propelled Storm to a formidable score.
Thunder’s spinners, led by Ecclestone, initially controlled the game, but Storm’s determined fightback and Luff’s anchoring innings proved too much to overcome.
