Sophie introduces you to the 2021 squad
27 May 2021
Western Storm begin their Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy campaign this weekend when they welcome the Thunder to the Bristol County Ground on Saturday 29 May.
Ahead of the start of the season, we caught up with Western Storm Captain, Sophie Luff so that she could introduce you to the 2021 squad.
Fi Morris (Vice Captain) (Hampshire) – “Fi is great to have around the dressing room. She has a huge amount of experience, works incredibly hard and has a real will to win. She’s our vice-captain and we therefore spend quite a lot of time together. We get on well and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She was our bowler of the year in 2020 and I think we’ve also just about forgiven her for playing for Southern Vipers in the KSL.”
Georgia Hennessy (Somerset) – “I’ve played with Georgia a lot. She is excellent with both bat and ball and she’s a genuine match winner. She can turn a game on its head and was in great form for Somerset this season. It’s great to see her back playing at this level where she clearly belongs.”
Danielle Gibson (Wales) – “Dani is such a talented player who has been so unlucky with injuries over the last few years. She’s an outstanding athlete and brings a great energy to the squad, whether that’s training or on a matchday. I’m really pleased that she has been awarded a pro contract – she has really kicked on by having that opportunity.”
Nat Wraith (Somerset) – “Nat is outstanding with the gloves and more than useful with the bat in the middle order too. I’ve seen her progress in her time in the Somerset side and she has just gone from strength to strength in a very short space of time.”
Alex Griffiths (Wales) – “Alex was the supporters’ player of the year in 2020 and really showed what she is capable of against Sunrisers at Bristol last year. She is still very young but has the potential to make a real impact with both bat and ball.”
Heather Knight (England) – “What can you say about Heather that hasn’t already been said? She’s England Captain and she’s lifted the World Cup. A player’s cv doesn’t get much better than that. Despite everything she’s achieved she is still as hungry for success as she ever has been. She is phenomenal both on and off the field and is a great example for the players in the squad. It’s a bit strange captaining her but she always does what she’s told! Seriously though, it’s great to be able to turn to someone like her.”
Anya Shrubsole (England) – “What a player. She epitomises everything that a pro should want to be. She’s been a trailblazer for women’s cricket in the region and it’s always a privilege to train and play alongside her. She is fantastic with the younger players who obviously all look up to her. It’s great to have her in the squad.”
Katie George (England) – “Katie is one of England’s most exciting bowling prospects and it’s great to have her back. Although she was only with us for a short time last year, she made a big impression.”
Nicole Harvey (Somerset) – “I’ve known Nicole for a long time, we’ve grown up playing either with or against each other for as long as I can remember. Nicole offers all three skills and as a leg-spin bowler, offers something a little different with the ball. She’s a real competitor on the field which I love. She’s been through a huge amount over the last 18 months and it’s great to see her get this opportunity.”
Lauren Parfitt (Wales) – “Lauren is no stranger to Western Storm fans, and she’s had a good county season. She opens the batting for Wales and has really developed her left-arm spin over the winter. When she’s not playing cricket, she is a teacher in a secondary school and does a fantastic job of balancing those commitments.”
Lauren Filer (Somerset) – “Another of my Somerset teammates. She also represented Western Storm last year and she is one of the fastest bowlers on the circuit. Lauren offers something a little different with her pace and bounce and has a big summer ahead of her.”
Mollie Robbins (Gloucestershire) – “Mollie is a new addition to the squad this year. She has progressed through the academy and had a really good winter working on her skills. She has come through the Gloucestershire pathway and her right-arm medium pace could be a useful weapon for us this year.”
Emma Corney (Devon) – “Emma is another of the young players who really impressed us last year. She has come through the Academy and had an impressive county season opening the batting for Devon. She brings an energy and enthusiasm to the group that really rubs off on others.”
Steph Hutchins (Devon) – “Steph has been a solid performer on the county circuit for quite some time and bowled some good spells for us last year in the RHF Trophy. Spin is really important in the women’s game, so Steph’s off-spin really bolsters our spin options this summer.
Emily Edgcombe (Devon) – “Emily is another excellent example of how the Academy gives players from across the South West the chance to showcase their talents. Living in Truro, but playing County cricket for Devon, she is currently recovering from a broken finger. We are hopeful she’ll be back fully fit very shortly for us and gives us another left arm seam option.”
Niamh Holland (Somerset) – “Despite her age, Niamh already has a lot of experience, She was involved with Western Storm last year and was selected onto the Academy this winter. She has worked really hard on her game and has had a good season with Somerset too.”
Bethan Gammon (Wales) – “Bethan is new to the squad and has spent the winter on the Academy. She is a young player from Wales with a lot of promise and a really strong work ethic - this summer will be a great opportunity to work closely with Nat Wraith on her keeping skills .”
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