Match Preview: Wiltshire Women vs Gloucestershire Women - Monday 6th May

May 2, 2024

The Wiltshire Women take to the field for the first time in 2024 on Monday 6^th May, in a South-West Derby showdown, against neighbouring first-class county, Gloucestershire.

The upcoming fixture was due to be Wiltshire’s second clash of the season, but poor pre-preseason weather caused the initial date against Oxfordshire on Sunday 21^st April to be postponed until later in the summer. Gloucestershire, however, did manage to play against Wales, coming away with a 70-run victory to start their season.

This match will mark the start of the ECB’s Women’s County Championship season, which features four 50-over fixtures for Wiltshire, against Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Oxfordshire & Devon. An additional national T20 competition complements the County Championship.

The Wiltshire Women are set for an exciting season and hope to get to winning ways in the upcoming battle against Gloucestershire, with coach, Sam Dent gearing up for an exciting day of cricket;

“I’m really looking forward to this season with the Wiltshire Women’s squad. We have an incredibly exciting squad - the talent exhibited by the players is exceptional. This game against Gloucestershire provides an opportunity for the team to showcase their talent and prove to themselves and others why Wiltshire deserve to be competing at the highest level! The team have worked so hard over the winter, we have the talent and I’m excited to see this translate into some exciting performances, starting on Monday” – Sam Dent, Wiltshire Women’s Head Coach

The Gloucestershire team are expected to field some extraordinary talent too, including recently capped England U19 keeper, Katie Jones and Western Storm professional cricketers, Chloe Skelton, Emily Geach & Mollie Robbins. Wiltshire also have some big names in their team, including captain Isla Thomson, who debuted for Western Storm in 2023, Katy Cobb, who recently attended an England Cricket “South vs South” selection day, and Anna-Mae Shearn who features in the Western Storm Academy as an exciting fast-bowling and hard-hitting young prospect – one to watch!

Wiltshire will also be fielding 4 debutants in the team; Carys Shah, Sophie Gaiger, Daisy Hunt and Holly Presswell. The youngest of the four debutants, Sophie Gaiger joins the squad in 2024 as an exceptional young talent, having showcased her very fluid and rhythmical bowling action throughout 2023 and during the winter preparations. Sophie will be in the hunt for some big-name wickets on Monday, and has the full backing of her squad behind her.

“I’m really excited this year to play for the Women’s team, and have the chance to play with some experienced players….I’m quite nervous, but I’m really looking forward to it”

When asked, at a recent team social about her aims for the upcoming season, Sophie responded with a clear and determined aim;

“Taking some wickets!”

The local rivalry between “The Shires” takes place on Monday 6^th May at Brislington Cricket Club, with an 11am start. Spectators and supporters are welcome to attend the fixture for free, in a game that features some exciting names and young future stars.

Match Details:

Venue: Brislington Cricket Club, Bristol
Date: Monday 6^th May
Start Time: 11am
Format: 50-Overs, ECB Women’s County Championship

Wiltshire Women’s Squad

The Wiltshire Women's squad, selected for the game is as follows:

A continued thank you to the Wiltshire partners and Sponsors, for their ongoing support of the Wiltshire Talent Pathway.
- Her Game Too
- PensionBee
- Renelec Group
- Imagine Cruising
- Mander Duffill
- Wansbroughs