WESTERN Storm batter Sophie Luff, who hails from Lympsham, has outlined her confidence that the Westcountry franchise can go one better than last year and win the KIA Super League.

This year’s competition between the eight teams, made up of some of the best women’s cricketers from across the globe, begins on August 10 when the Storm visit Southern Vipers at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl in a re-run of last year’s final, which the Vipers won by seven wickets.

Looking ahead to the competition, Luff said: “I can’t wait to get going.

“We did well to get to the final last year but we want to go one better – the competition for places is really strong.

“Last year was the competition’s first, so we all know a bit more about what to expect this time around. Hopefully, we can get some early wins under our belts and go from there.”

The second of those matches is at the County Ground in Taunton as the Storm host Loughborough Lightning on Saturday, August 12 – that match begins at noon and is the start of a double header, with Somerset v Kent to follow.

Luff, who captains the Somerset women’s team alongside her role with the Storm, said: “I always love playing at the County Ground – as a Somerset girl it’s a place that is close to my heart and, hopefully, we can get a good crowd in to cheer us on.”

The tournament is likely to further enhance the growing momentum within the women’s game, which has taken off this summer thanks to England’s superb World Cup win on home soil. 

A sell-out crowd watched the home nation defeat India by nine runs in the final, with Somerset’s Anya Shrubsole – who also represents the Storm – the star with 6-46.

Reflecting on her teammate’s achievement, Luff said: “It was amazing to watch.

“Our families know each other well and I was delighted for her, as she thoroughly deserves it after years of hard work – hopefully she can now have more success with the Storm!

“It will be great having Heather [Knight] and Fran [Wilson] also involved in our squad, as they will be full of confidence after the World Cup.”

Luff is also hoping to put herself in the shop window during the tournament, having been part of England performance squads in the past but not yet receiving a full cap.

“This is a great opportunity for me to show what I can do,” she said.

“I hope to be able to establish my role in the side and contribute important runs at the death.”

The Storm also have three overseas players – New Zealand duo Holly Huddleston and Rachel Priest, as well as West Indian star Stafanie Taylor – to bolster their squad.

Luff said: “It’s great having overseas players with us and being able to tap into their knowledge and experience.”

As part of the build-up to the tournament, the team are running ‘Be a Little Stormer’ fun days for youngsters, with one such event taking place at the County Ground tomorrow (Friday).

Luff added: “It’s a vital part of our role – we are representing the entire Westcountry so if we can inspire kids across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset that would be great.”

To buy tickets to Western Storm v Loughborough Lightning in Taunton, click here.