Cricket

Western Storm emerged victorious in a dominant display against Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, securing a resounding 182-run victory that propelled them up the standings and relegated their opponents to the bottom.Storm's innings was ignited by a scintillating 83 from Amanda-Jade Wellington, who struck 14 boundaries and two maximums in a blistering 53-ball knock. Her partnership with captain Sophie Luff (60) yielded an impressive 102 runs, guiding Storm to a formidable total of 284 all out in 49.5 overs.Katie George emerged as the standout bowler for Sparks, claiming 5 for 50, including a remarkable caught and bowled dismissal. However, Storm's batting depth proved too much to handle, with Wellington and Luff leading the charge.Sparks' reply began disastrously, losing wickets to the first two deliveries from Issy Wong, who is on loan to Storm. The collapse continued as they stumbled to 102 all out, with only Davina Perrin (42) offering any resistance. Chloe Skelton and Wong shared six wickets between them, dismantling Sparks' batting lineup.Storm's openers, Emma Corney and Sophia Smale, had earlier laid a solid foundation with a 92-run partnership. However, Sparks fought back with three wickets in quick succession, including the dismissals of Luff and Natasha Wraith.Wellington's half-century, which included a towering six over midwicket, injected momentum into Storm's innings. Luff's departure to a stunning catch by George did not deter Wellington, who continued her assault until she was dismissed in bizarre fashion, with the ball lodging in the wicketkeeper's visor.Sparks' chase was doomed from the outset, with Wong claiming two wickets in the first two balls. Perrin's valiant effort was in vain as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled. Skelton's late burst of 3 for 6 sealed the victory for Storm, leaving Sparks languishing at the bottom of the table.

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.