The 2023 Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy commences tomorrow with four matches, being played at outstanding test grounds. The significant team news affecting most regions is that a large amount of Centrally Contracted players will be unavailable for the first round.
The players available are Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Kate Cross (Thunder), Emma Lamb (Thunder) Freya Davies (South East Stars) and Issy Wong (Central Sparks).
This perhaps will disproportionately effect teams such as the South East Stars who are missing vital players such as Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley. However, the mighty Southern Vipers will be aided by the higher availability of their top players.
The Blaze v Central Sparks
Ground: Trent Bridge
Start: 10:30am
It’s a historic day for The Blaze as they play their inaugural game as a rebranded side. With England stars, Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Glenn anticipated in the starting XI, the strengthened side seem to have the upper hand heading into the game.
Central Sparks have lost all three previous meetings with ‘Lighting’ but could the rebrand enable Sparks to leave the past behind and register a win? Sparks have the availability of Women’s Premier League star, Issy Wong who is fresh out of India after becoming the first player to take at hat-trick in the WSL. The West Midlands side have also recruited batter, Chloe Brewer and left-arm all-rounder, Katie George who could both make their debuts tomorrow.
Both sides have plenty of exciting youth who played at the U19 Women’s World Cup in January. Blaze will hope that Josie Groves’ leg-spin can baffle the Sparks while the visitors have the potential to play four U19s: all-rounder Ellie Anderson, bowler Hannah Baker and batters Davina Perrin and Charis Pavely.
It will be a close match however, the sense of occasion may give the Blaze the edge.
Thunder v South East Stars
Ground: Old Trafford, Manchester
Start: 10:30am
Thunder return to Old Trafford where they concluded last season’s campaign with a close loss to Western Storm. This time, they take on South East Stars who missed out on a spot in last years final.
South East Stars are missing key players such as Alice Capsey, Tash Farrant and Sophia Dunkley who the ECB have announced they will not feature in this round. Similarly, Thunder will miss the experience and skill of Sophie Ecclestone, the best bowler in the world.
Stars still have plenty of experience with Freya Davies, Bryony Smith and Alice Davidson-Richards all expected to play key roles. Young talent will also be present in the side with Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Kalea Moore and Alexa Stonehouse all looking to continue their form from last season.
Thunder are looking stronger than ever with new additions of Fi Morris, Naomi Dattani and WPL wicket taker, Tara Norris. Ellie Threlkeld and Emma Lamb will both be vital for piling on the runs and Threlkeld’s exceptional wicket-keeping could be vital to some excellent stumpings and catches, particularly with the talented spin bowlers Thunder have.
South East Stars are probably favourites but Thunder at home should not be underestimated.
Southern Vipers v Sunrisers
Ground: Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Start: 10:30am
Southern Vipers, hungry for the trophy back will look to start their campaign with a convincing win. As mentioned, Vipers are fortunate to have three of their England stars playing with Lauren Bell, Danni Wyatt and Charlie Dean all being made available.
New signings, Linsey Smith, will look to come back to Vipers by taking plenty of wickets. Her left-arm spin left her with an impressive 13 wickets in last years edition of the RHFT and she will want to bring that form to the Vipers.
Sunrisers are still looking for their first RHFT win after a baron three years. Grace Scrivens is by far their most consistent player but it is important that other players stick with her and get runs on the board. They have had five wins in their five warm up games so they could not be in a better place to face the Vipers.
It feels inevitable that the Vipers will be victorious…again however, they cannot get complacent, and Sunrisers will be desperate for that win.
Northern Diamonds v Western Storm
Ground: Headingley, Leeds
Start: 10:30am
Champions, Northern Diamonds, will begin their title defence at Headingley against Western Storm. The holders have strengthened their side even more with South African all-rounder Chloe Tryon joining the side.
Batting looks like the strength for Diamonds but their bowling line up, without Linsey Smith, will need to be tight and economical.
Western Storm have incredible talent coming through in the form of Hundred star, Sophia Smale and the newly professional, Niamh Holland. The Storm are proud of their homegrown talent and skipper, Sophie Luff is the prime example of that. She’s tipped by fellow captains to be the top run scorer and that’s certainly the precedent she has set in previous years.
Northern Diamonds look like the stronger team and in the previous two meetings, have taken the win.
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