Western Storm's impressive bowling performance led them to a 28-run victory over Sunrisers in a low-scoring Charlotte Edwards Cup match at the Cooper Associates Ground in Taunton.
England Under-19 spinner Sophia Smale played a pivotal role, claiming three wickets in a devastating eight-ball burst and taking two catches. On-loan seamer Ellie Anderson finished with remarkable figures of 4 for 9 from 2.4 overs, while England international Lauren Filer took 3 for 19.
Chasing a target of 135, Sunrisers were bowled out for 106 in 17.4 overs. Storm's skipper Sophie Luff top-scored with 41, sharing a crucial 43-run partnership with Amanda-Jade Wellington (20).
Storm's innings began with a promising opening stand of 25 between Nat Wraith and Emma Corney, but Corney's dismissal for 10 gave Sunrisers a breakthrough. Fran Wilson and Wraith advanced the score to 37 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, but Sophie Munro struck twice in quick succession to reduce Storm to 44 for 3.
Wellington and Luff rebuilt the innings, with Luff reaching 41 before being dismissed. Alex Griffiths and Issy Wong fell cheaply, leaving Storm in danger of falling short. However, Luff's spirited innings carried them to a respectable total of 134 for 8.
Filer struck early for Storm, removing Sunrisers skipper Grace Scrivens in the first over. Alice Macleod and Jo Gardner also departed cheaply, leaving Sunrisers reeling at 22 for 3.
Smale then took control, claiming three wickets in eight balls to reduce Sunrisers to 59 for 6 at the halfway point. Miller and Carr added 35 for the seventh wicket, but Anderson and Filer wrapped up the tail to secure Storm's first win in five games.
Tags: #CharlotteEdwardsCup, #WesternStorm, #Sunrisers, #SophiaSmale, #EllieAnderson
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