Source: LCB

LCB Women Gain Promotion to Division One

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Congratulations go to the LCB Women’s First Team as they gain promotion to the Royal London Women’s One-Day Cup as champions of Division 2.

After being relegated in 2015 back to Division 2, there was only one thing on the agenda for 2016 and that was to get back into Division 1. Whilst in Division 1 of the NatWest Women’s County T20 competition, the team wanted to play in Division 1 of the 50 over competition.

After a rather damp start to the season seeing the game vs Nottinghamshire cancelled without a ball being bowled followed by the game vs Leicestershire abandoned, it was important the Women got some momentum in the next couple of games. After bowling Essex out for 115, LCB Women scrambled a 3 wicket win with Lauren Smith, the team’s overseas player, top scoring with 54*. Another win vs Worcestershire, this time more convincingly by 8 wickets and Emma Lamb’s 61 saw them top of Division 2, before T20 action kicked in.

The team consolidated their position in Division 1 of the T20 competition following wins over Berkshire, Nottinghamshire and Sussex, seeing them finish 5th in the table and giving hope to the players and coaches to push for promotion in the 50 over league.

Back in the Royal London Women’s One-Day Cup a good 54 run win vs Devon with Emma Lamb 74 and Lauren Smith 4 for 25, was followed by a defeat to Hampshire in the summer bank holiday double header. This meant wins with 6 bonus points were needed for the final game vs Wales.

Heavy rain greeted the team in Wales, a delayed start and a 35 over game. 3 for 10 by Nalisha Patel and 3 for 15 by Sophie Ecclestone reduced Wales to 79 all out. Wickets fell regularly for Lancs but Sophie Ecclestone (left arm orthodox) stood up and made a name for herself with the bat. A well-crafted 42* saw Lancashire home inside 28 overs to secure the batting points needed to take the Division 2 title.

Daniel Atkinson, LCB Women’s Head Coach, said: “The team set out this season with the intention of being promoted back into Division 1 of the one day competition as well as holding their place in Division 1 of the T20 competition.

“It was particularly pleasing that they achieved both. It was great to see different players standing up at key points throughout the season with the whole squad contributing at some point. Their attitude and team spirit was outstanding.”

Bobby Denning, LCB’s Managing Director, added: “After a high profile season for Women’s and Girls Cricket in the County, we are all delighted that our Lancashire Women’s side has been promoted. The squad is an integral part of the LCB and I know planning is already starting to happen for a season in the top Division in 2017.

“Congratulations to all the players and support staff.”

Report courtesy of LCB