Rachael Heyhoe Flint 2022: 4th
Charlotte Edwards Cup 2022: 5th
Most Runs RHFT: Sophie Luff (268) Most Runs CEC: Sophie Luff & Georgia Hennessy (158)
Most Wickets RHFT: Lauren Filer (11) Most Wickets CEC: Claire Nicholas & Dani Gibson (6)
New Domestic Contracts: Lauren Filer, Chloe Skelton, Sophia Smale, Niamh Holland
Departed Players: Fi Morris, Katie George, Georgia Hennessy
Star Player: Danielle Gibson
Young Player: Niamh Holland
Western Storm have perhaps gone under the radar in the past few seasons. As a giant in the Kia Super League, they enjoyed two league wins. However, without their star-studded line up of international players, they have been falling short in the new regional structure.
In the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the Storm finished 5th, needing one more win to qualify for the latter stages. The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy was slightly more successful for the side, finishing 4th however, they sat nine points away from third-in-the-table, Southern Vipers.
At the end of the season, all-rounder Fi Morris and left-arm seamer, Katie George headed north to Thunder and Central Sparks respectively. Georgia Hennessy also departed the club to pursue opportunities outside of cricket.
The Storm have not made any new signings, meaning their squad are entirely homegrown talent from their counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan, Devon, Cornwall and Wiltshire. Western Storm’s Academy have produced some incredible talents with the likes of Sophia Smale and Niamh Holland regularly playing in the senior side – both featured in the U19 Women’s World Cup squad.
This could be a concern considering the fact that weaker teams that they beat last season have strengthened over the winter. For example, Thunder have far more depth in their squad, bringing in Tara Norris, Naomi Dattani and Western Storm’s, Fi Morris. Sunrisers – who have proved as close competition – have signed Dane van Niekerk who will elevate their side, perhaps above the likes of Western Storm.
All-rounder, Danielle Gibson, wasn’t even a teenager when she made her county debut back in 2014. Gibson is a fiery batter but can also lead the attack with the ball. She was one of the first recipients of the new regional contracts which were introduced in 2020. At 21, she is one of the most promising all-rounders and was even named as a travelling reserve for the T20 Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
Last season, Gibson was crucial for the Storm. Across the two tournaments, she scored 272 runs and took 11 wickets. This form was apparent as she took five wickets for London Spirit in the Hundred and often had a very high strike rate. It’s go big or go home with Gibson.
Dani is only 21, as mentioned, but she is one of the more senior and experienced players for Western Storm. An England call up may be on the cards this season if Gibson can find some form early in the season.
18-year-old all-rounder, Niamh Holland was another breakout star of 2022. Playing seven matches for her home region, Holland took four wickets. In particular, she starred against Sunrisers, taking the wickets of Grace Scrivens and Mady Villers in a three-wicket victory.
The Somerset native was announced as part of the 15-player squad representing England at the U19 Women’s World Cup in South Africa. Holland excelled in the competition, scoring 138 runs, notably scoring 59 against Zimbabwe – her first underage international half century.
Holland signed her first professional contract, despite still being at school, and starts the 2023 season as a professional cricketer. Although it is Niamh’s bowling which contributed most to Western Storm last year, it is apparent that her batting – particularly at number three – is a part of her game that has progressed across the winter.
What will Western Storm want?
A reward. Western Storm have grafted year after year and haven’t reaped the rewards in the form of knockout stages. They will look to progress further and prove themselves, despite not making any new signings.
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