Storm register first victory
Luff led by example as Western Storm comfortably defeated Lightning by 62 runs at Bristol to register their first win in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy since May on Sunday.
Storm’s captain top-scored with 70 from 111 balls, including six fours, and shared in stands of 70 and 66 with Alex Griffiths and Danielle Gibson for the fourth and fifth wickets respectively as Storm posted 228-7 after being put into bat.
Sarah Bryce, Lucy Higham and Ella Claridge each played themselves in to pass 20 as Lightning chased, but none was able to go on and post the kind of really substantial score needed to challenge Storm’s total.
A triumvirate of spinners ensured the hosts were able to exert a degree of control throughout, with Fi Morris claiming 2-34 and Nicole Harvey 2-25, while seamer Georgia Hennessy weighed in with 2-22 as Lightning were shot out for 166 in 41.2 overs.
After the game Luff said: “I spoke before the game about players taking responsibility with the bat and it was really satisfying to see them do that. It was a good toss to lose in the end and I thought 220 would take some getting on that pitch. Scoring was tricky and you really had to be dogged and determined to stick around. This is still a young group of players and it was encouraging to see them put their hands up and own the situation.
“I’m comfortable with my own role in the team and Alex Griffiths gave me fantastic support when we needed it most in the middle overs. Dani Gibson then gave us real impetus to go on and make a big score.
“I felt our spinners gave us that extra bit of control and it is so good to have someone with as much experience as Claire Nicholas has back in the team.
“All in all, a good team performance and one that will give the girls encouragement going into the final game.”
That victory meant Storm averted losing for the fifth consecutive game after they lost to Northern Diamonds by seven wickets on Friday. Storm were dismissed for 183 as Luff top-scored with a fine innings of 65 - Diamonds reached 184-3 to claim the win.