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Western Storm arrive at Exeter for Cricket Super League training camp
Western Storm, the women’s cricket team based in South West England, have started their training at the University of Exeter ahead of the inaugural Kia Super League. We caught up with Exeter cricket scholars and Western Storm teammates Amara Carr and Freya Davies to hear about how the squad is getting on.
What aspects of the Super League are you most looking forward to?
Freya: Training with, and playing against, the best players in the world. There are world-class players on every team in the Super League, so each match will challenge and develop us.
Amara: It’s great to be a part of such a prestigious, professional event. We’ve had so much support, particularly from Guy Lavender (Chief Executive, Somerset County Cricket Club) and Alison Davidson (Director of Sport, University of Exeter).
Freya: So much effort and attention is going into the Super League, and it’s great. It shows that the women’s game is just as good as the men’s.
What has your training been like so far?
F: We’re just in the early stages at the moment, but so far we’ve been looking at different game scenarios. The technical standard is already pretty high so we’re making sure that we also focus on more tactical work.
A: It’s about working together, getting to know the other players, finding out each other’s strengths and utilising them as a team.
How has the University supported your sporting development?
A: The ADC (Athlete Development Centre) has been great. Having open sessions and tailored programs, as well as one-to-one coaching and support, has really helped us to get the most out of our training sessions.
F: The Devon Cricket Centre has been really useful for practising through the winter. I’m a bowler, so it was great to have the indoor facilities readily available so that I could practise regularly.
What’s next for Western Storm, and when will your fixtures start?
F: The T20 competition starts from 31 July in Taunton, so we haven’t got long to go. Until then, we have training camps every week, mainly based at the University but also around the South West.
What are your long-term ambitions?
A: I’m about to graduate, and am hoping to get some experience of playing overseas this winter. I’d love to be seen as one of Western Storm’s key players, and hope to keep developing my game and playing regularly after University.
F: I have another year of my Law degree left at Exeter, so will be focusing on my studies until next summer! I have also been playing for England Academy, so my ambition would be to break into the main England squad – I’ve done some training with them before and would love to play professionally.
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The South West consortium (consisting of Somerset County Cricket Club, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and the University of Exeter) is one of the six hosts that will compete in the inaugural Women’s Cricket Super League this summer. All six teams have been awarded hosting rights for a four year period from 2016-2019 inclusive.
The key aims of the Women’s Cricket Super League include the development of ever higher standards for the England women’s team with greater competition for places, alongside inspiring more women and girls to play cricket at all levels. It will offer new opportunities, a new narrative for the game and new role models, as well as a network of host clubs linked to their communities.
More information about the prestigious University of Exeter Sports Scholarship Scheme and our Women’s Cricket Club can be found on our webpages.
For information about interview opportunities with a representative from the South West consortium please contact the Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club, Guy Lavender, on 01823 425309 or email guylavender@somersetcountycc.co.uk. If you have any general questions about the Women’s Cricket Super League, please email the England and Wales Cricket Board at WCSLenquiries@ecb.co.uk.
The University of Exeter has been awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Sports University of the Year 2016, following significant investment and development over the past 10 years. The University has also achieved a Global 100 ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The prestigious rankings, which mean Exeter retains its position as best in the South West, take into account a wide range of factors, including student satisfaction and research excellence.
Date: 15 July 2016