Sussex Sharks Preview: Sharks circle as Rapids prepare for New Road return

Vitality Blast T20 Women’s League Two: Worcestershire Rapids v Sussex Sharks Women

Venue: New Road, Worcester

Date: Sunday 28th June

Scheduled start time: 10:30am

Match preview sponsored by MSN Pharmacy Group.

Another important weekend awaits Worcestershire Women’s Rapids, with Sussex Sharks Women the opposition as the girls return to New Road in the curtain raiser of a crucial T20 double-header.

After pushing Tier One giants Surrey all the way last time out, Head Coach Ed Wilson will be full of optimism that his team can avenge their defeat against a side they have already met once this summer.

Ed Wilson has shuffled his pack ahead of Sunday’s tantalising clash with the Sharks, with experienced top order batter Gwen Davies reinstated to the side after a prolonged spell away with injury.

After a debut to remember a fortnight ago in the victory over Middlesex, Madison Windeatt is restored to the Rapids squad in a major boost to the top-order.

Eyes will be on youngster Lucy Harris after her impressive three wicket haul last time out against Surry, with the right-arm seamer hoping to extend her recent run of form.

Worcestershire will have to do without the services of England U19 duo Bryony Gillgrass and Sophie Beech however, with the pair recalled on short-term loan deals ahead of this weekend.

Sunday’s Blast return can’t come soon enough for Gwen Davies, with the Worcestershire batter set to make her long awaited return from injury against Sussex Sharks.  

After an encouraging start to 2026, Davies was dealt a major setback when she suffered a serious ankle injury in May, that sidelined the 32-year-old for over a month. 

Having undergone an extensive rehab programme, and fighting her way back to full fitness, Ed Wilson wasted no time in re-instating his opening batter to the matchday squad ahead of Sunday’s tussle with Sussex.  

Raring to go after a prolonged absence, Davies said the up and down nature of the injury and its recovery has only heightened her desire to make an impact when she dons a Rapids shirt again this weekend.  

“The last few weeks have been quite frustrating with the injury.  

“I tore a ligament in my left ankle whilst coaching. So being sat at home rehabbing has driven me insane but definitely glad to be back amongst the group. 

“I was lucky that it was only a grade one tear, which has meant I could get back a lot earlier than we first thought – so that was definitely some positive news at the end of the second week out, and I could then crack on with my rehab to get back asap 

“Sitting at home watching the live stream has been a rollercoaster, can definitely say I’m not a good watcher!!  

“But it was good to get down to Bromsgrove to watch the girls get that brilliant win over Middlesex.” 

The experienced campaigner is returning to a side high on confidence, after a comprehensive win over Middlesex was followed up by an encouraging performance against Surrey in the County Cup last time out.  

Sunday’s clash with Sussex takes on some extra importance for the Rapids however, who will be returning to New Road for the first time since May when the girls fell just short against Derbyshire Falcons.  

Revitalised and with young stars Madison Windeatt, Caitlin Baker-Smith and Ebony-Jade Tweats coming to the fore in recent weeks, Davies says the Rapids are wary of the threat posed by the Sharks but is full of confidence as the side return to the place they call home.  

 “I am really looking forward to getting back on Sunday, especially at New Road for a double header – I feel we owe the crowd a good day out after our last visit here v Northants.  

“It was a good experience for the girls against Surrey last weekend & I know we’ve certainly learned a lot from the way they went about their business, so hopefully we can take that into our game this weekend against Sussex. 

“They have the ability to be a very good side, as we found out down at Hove at the start of the season.  

“We’re in a better place now as a team & we’re all very keen to show how good we really are at home on Sunday!” 

Sussex Sharks Women

It was the Hove-based outfit who came out on top when the sides met in the season opener back in April, cruising to a comprehensive Metro Bank One Day Cup win.

The Sharks have struggled for form in recent weeks however, winning just one of their last five matches across all competitions.

Sussex did show signs of returning to their best last week against Gloucestershire however, with a seven wicket win getting the team back to winning ways.

Skipper Chiara Green starred with the ball taking a stunning 4-8 from her 4 overs with the new ball, whilst Shristi Patel (38 off 28) guided her side to a comfortable chase of 88 inside 14 overs.