HEATHER Knight believes her Western Storm team can reflect on a successful first season in the Kia Super League, even though they were defeated in the Final by Southern Vipers in Chelmsford yesterday.

Knight led from the front with a fine half century as Storm beat Loughborough Lightning in the first game of the day to earn a crack at the Vipers in the Final.

Knight admitted they were well beaten in the title-deciding match despite an excellent 57 from New Zealand opener Rachel Priest, with another Kiwi, Suzie Bates, firing the Vipers to a seven-wicket win with seven balls to spare.

But Knight remained proud of her team’s progress in the groundbreaking tournament – with their contribution gaining further recognition when West Indies allrounder Stafanie Taylor was named Player of the Tournament.

“In the first year it’s always going to be finding your feet, assessing the situation and ironing out a few cracks.,” said the England captain.

“But I think the tournament’s been great, and the Storm girls have come together really well. Obviously we were really disappointed to lose the Final.

"But I guess looking back on it we have to be really happy we made it that far. We had a good tournament, and I’m proud of the cricket we played. It will stand us in good stead for the next few years I’m sure.”

The Storm were one of three new teams formed for the six-team tournament, through a partnership between Gloucestershire, Somerset and the University of Exeter, splitting their home games between Bristol and Taunton.

“Playing your home games you’re hopefully getting your fan base and your identity I guess,” Knight added.

“To see a few Stormtroopers around here today and at home games has been really pleasing. The teams were put together from scratch really but we’ve really gelled - I think that will grow over the next few years.”

The KSL will be expanded next summer to include a 50-over tournament earlier in the summer, helping Knight’s England team to prepare for the ICC Women’s World Cup – when games will be staged at both the Coopers Associates County Ground in Taunton and the Brightside Ground in Bristol.

Clare Connor, the ECB’s director of women’s cricket, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has been involved in making the first Kia Super League such a successful and enjoyable tournament.

“In so many ways Finals Day at Chelmsford was a fitting climax, with two high-quality matches featuring some of the best players in the world, all inspiring a new generation of future England cricketers.

“The publicity and interest generated around the tournament has given us a real taste of what is possible for the women’s game. With an expansion to include a 50-over tournament next summer ahead of us staging the ICC Women’s World Cup, it is a great base for future success.”