INJURED Georgia Hennessy played through the pain barrier to help Western Storm clinch the Kia Women’s Super League.

The Malvern cricketer revealed she had broken her thumb in the early stages of her side’s semi-final triumph over Surrey Stars.

Later that day, Hennessey claimed a catch as Southern Vipers scored 145-5 off their 20 overs before the all-rounder watched on as Stafanie Taylor (30) and Sophie Luff (30) put together a fine fifth-wicket partnership to secure Storm victory last Friday.

The 20-year-old was thrilled to get her hands on the trophy after the hurt of losing last year’s final to Vipers.

But Hennessy admitted she was only aware she had fractured her thumb on Finals Day when she had a scan earlier this week.

“I was a bit nervous sat on the side as I was next in to bat and I had actually broke my thumb in the first game against Surrey,” Hennessy said.

“I injured it when I dropped a sitter on the boundary.

“It hurt, but I didn’t realise I had broken it. I battled through in the semis and took a decent catch in the second game.

“But it was only until I had an X-ray a couple of days ago that it turned out I had broken my thumb, so I have done OK considering that.”

Hennessy, who plays club cricket for Barnards Green and represents Warwickshire, also felt Storm did not produce their best cricket during the tournament.

The Gloucestershire side lost to Vipers and Surrey, but did enough to secure a place at Finals Day following wins over Loughborough Lightning and Yorkshire Diamonds.

“We have definitely done it the hard way,” she said.

“Obviously we were waiting on results to know if we were through to Finals Day.

“I don’t think we played our best cricket so for us to win we all know there is big things to come next year.”

The former Chase School pupil added: “There were a lot of tired heads out there, but we got the win so I am really proud.

“We were really happy to sing our team song at the end in front of the television cameras which is Combine Harvester.

“I don’t think I have ever played with a better group of girls and we get on so well off the pitch. We have really come together, which I think made the difference.”