Jones’ 65 not enough to fend off Western Storm in season opener

Amy Jones playing cricket

Loughborough Lightning failed to strike in their first game of the Kia Super League, losing by seven-wickets at home to Western Storm.

After electing to bat first Lightning suffered three early wickets, first losing overseas players Matthews and Atapattu, followed by captain Elwiss all for no score.  

It was the pairing of Jones and debutant Du Preez that got Lightning back on track posting a partnership of 77, with Amy Jones scoring a half-century. 

Georgia Adams made a tidy 15 from 17 balls, Jenny Gunn cleared the boundary with her first hit and Kathryn Bryce, also on her Lightning debut, struck the last ball of the innings for four ending Lightning’s time at the crease on 125-6. 

Lightning took to the field and it wasn’t long until captain Elwiss dismissed Priest for 12 in the second over. The pairing of England captain Heather Knight and Smriti Mandhana added 54 in just over seven overs which saw Storm creep steadily towards the Lightning total.

Despite fantastic bowling from Sarah Glenn, which saw two wickets fall - both caught in the deep by Georgia Adams - Lightning sadly could not stop Storm from reaching 126 with 18 balls to spare.  

Speaking to Lightning player Amy Jones after the game, she said:

“After losing early wickets as we did, it was difficult to come back and build a score and we were just short of runs in the end. We want to go out and bat positively upfront, but it is not always going to come off. I was pleased with the way I batted in the partnership with Mignon. She scored freely at the start and took the pressure off me by finding the boundaries. It was good to get back out there, but it was disappointing that we could not kick the season off win a win.”

 Lightning will be back in action on Thursday at Haslegrave against Southern Vipers – Make sure you get your tickets today