Preview: Lancashire Thunder vs Central Sparks (Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy)
Sparks are set to travel to Manchester to take on Lancashire Thunder in the fifth game of the new Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy campaign. Looking for just their second win of the season in five games, Lloyd Tennant's team go to Emirates Old Trafford on a tough run of four straight defeats.
Match Details:
Game: Lancashire Thunder vs Central Sparks
Competition: Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
Date: Wednesday 8 May
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford
Game start: 10:30am
Sparks, led by captain Eve Jones, head to Manchester in need of a win to match the dedication shown by the team in recent weeks. Having lost to the Southern Vipers, South East Stars, Sunrisers and Northern Diamonds, the visit to face Thunder is the final 50 over game before the RHFT stops to make way for the beginning of the Charlotte Edwards Cup.
In the most recent game for Tennant's team, Sparks lost by 1 run at Edgbaston to the Diamonds. In what was a specatacle for the neutral fan, the match itself ended in a heartbreaking defeat for Sparks. The best the side has played since their season opener, reducing the Northern Diamonds to just 216 runs, which was ever so nearly chased down.
A half-century for Jones, while Charis Pavely, Katie George, Grace Potts and Ria Fackrell all picked up two wickets each.
A tough start to the season for Sparks, but the team have been battling hard and a win will be all they deserve to match the perserverance shown by the playing squad.
The Opposition:
Thunder, who have a similar record to Sparks, haven't had the start to the season they'd have desired by with a win in their most recent match against The Blaze at Trent Bridge, the northern side will be hosting Sparks with confidence. Solid performances from overseas batter Katie Mack and bowler Mahika Gaur, have been topped by wicket-keeper batter Seren Smale who has been a run machine.
Scoring (99) and (53) in her last two appearances, Smale will be hoping to replicate that in Manchester this week but Sparks' potent bowling attack will very much be on hand to stand in her way.
Past meeting:
In the latest game between the two sides, Sparks overcame Thunder and beat them at New Road in this competition by 29 runs. Half-centuries for both Abbey Freeborn and Ami Campbell did the damage in Worcestershire.
Before that, also at New Road, this time in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, Thunder were victorious by 36 runs. The other meeting in 2023 was a tie at Old Trafford this time last season in the RHFT.
Team News:
Both squads will be announced tomorrow, with Sparks able to pick from the same players as their last fixture.
How to watch:
Wednesday's encounter will be available via Thunder's YouTube channel, or you can purchase tickets here.
Enjoy the game!