Sophie Luff named Western Storm Players' Player of the Year

Western Storm skipper Sophie Luff was the big winner at the region's end of season awards, bagging the Batter of the Year and Players' Player of the Year award in the virtual ceremony on Wednesday (November 18).



Luff, who led the side in the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint trophy, was Storm's most consistent batter through the competition, scoring 339 runs in six matches at an average of 67.80, including a best of 104 not out. Although her team finished second in the group and failed to make it to the final, Luff finished third in the run charts behind Sarah Bryce and Georgia Adams.



Head coach Mark O'Leary showered praise on the Storm skipper saying she led by example - both on and off the field - through the competition, and created a healthy atmosphere that saw the team thrive under her leadership.



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"She’s had a fantastic year. She is exemplary both on and off the field. She’s the ultimate pro. She wants to succeed, she works so hard at everything she does, and she’s reaped the rewards of that this season," O'Leary said.



“Whenever you award someone the captaincy there is always a little worry that it might affect their game, but Sophie’s just thrived on it. She’s such a great person to have around the team. She’s a warrior who wants to succeed and wants her teammates to do well.”



Off-spinner Fi Morris who claimed 11 wickets through the tournament was named Bowler of the Year. Her tally included a best of 5 for 26 against Sunrisers.



Through the tournament, Morris controlled the middle overs for Storm, picking up wickets at regular intervals and making sure to keep the runs to a minimum - her tournament economy rate of 4.06 is testament to the fact.



"She worked really hard during the build up to the season and she’s a great all-round cricketer,” O'Leary said of the off-spinner. “She’s very consistent with the ball, she’s a great competitor and she’s always keen to learn and develop as a player."







Meanwhile, allrounders Georgia Hennessy and Alex Griffiths were the other two award winners of the evening. Hennessy, who smashed 105 off 110 balls against Sunrisers in Bristol to rescue her side from a tricky position was awarded Performance of the Year, while Griffiths was names Supporters' Player of the Year.



O'Leary commended the character Hennessy showed through a knock that saw the right-hander blast 14 boundaries. Having watched her team slump to 69 for 4, the allrounder joined hands with Griffiths to launch a counter attack that allowed Storm to reach a commanding total of 288 for 6.



"It was a superb innings. She demonstrated some great power hitting and some of the shots she played that day were a delight to watch," O'Leary stated. “She’s been unbelievable this year. She brings a great attitude to the team and she always wants to succeed and do well.”



Griffiths, who opened the bowling for Storm through the competition, took three wickets and also scored 141 runs at a strike rate of 118.48 in the lower middle order.