With the 2017 Kia Super League just around the corner, it’s great news that 8 of the current LCB Women players have been awarded Lancashire Thunder contracts. Credit must go to these players who have continued to perform well in the county game and taken opportunities given to them.
The Kia Super League was a huge success in 2016 and looks to continue to offer the best versus the best competition for women across the world. Credit must also go to the hard work done in the winter months by the coaching staff who have tirelessly supported these players on their journeys.
LCB Women players selected for Lancashire Thunder:
Natalie Brown (Sutton CC) – 2nd year contract
Kate Cross (Heywood CC) – 2nd year contract
Rachel Dickinson (Burscough CC) – 1st year contract
Sophie Ecclestone (Chester Broughton Hall CC) – 2nd year contract
Eve Jones (Whitchurch CC) – 2nd year contract (previously at Loughborough Lightning)
Emma Lamb (Bramhall CC) – 2nd year contract
Ella Telford (Staffield CC and Leyland Ladies) – 1st year contract
Ellie Threlkeld (Rainford CC) – 2nd year contract
Lancastrian and England Women’s Kate Cross is delighted to be selected again. She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be re-named in the Thunder squad for the second instalment of the Kia Super League. Growing up playing cricket for Heywood CC, it was always a dream of mine to be representing Lancashire and having progressed through the age groups and the Lancashire Academy, it makes me very proud to continue to represent the Red Rose.
“I owe Lancashire a lot! Without their support I would not be playing cricket professionally now, which as a youngster was something I could only imagine doing. Having had a disappointing first campaign last summer, I know the squad will be looking to find more success on the pitch this time round.”
Ellie Threlkeld, from Rainford CC, also awarded another contract added: “I am delighted to have been offered a Thunder contract for this summer! It was an unbelievable experience last year playing with some of the world’s best players, and after a winter with the England Women’s Senior Academy, I am enjoying the county season and looking forward to Kia Super League.”
Ella Telford, a Cumbrian playing her cricket at Staffield CC and Leyland Ladies has enjoyed a successful few months at just 17 years old. Having been selected on the Thunder Regional Development Centre in October, Ella impressed at England level and was asked to attend sessions as part of the fast bowling programme. She comments on her journey so far: “I began playing junior cricket for Lower Eden Girls at Penrith Cricket Club with coaches Mark and Jan Osborne, going on to play county age group cricket for Cumbria. Since 2015 I’ve played at various levels for Lancashire including my LCB Women’s First Team debut in April this year. I’m absolutely over the moon to have been picked for the Lancashire Thunder squad and very much look forward to the rest of the season.”
Rachel Dickinson, currently at Loughborough University, was part of the BUCS One Day Cup squad that won at Lord’s. She has excelled with the ball at county level which has earned her a contract for Thunder. She added: “My first main experience of cricket was at Ormskirk CC as a 5 year old and progressed through the Chance to Shine programme delivered at Ormskirk C of E Primary. I have played for Lancashire girls since the age of 10 and have been involved with the LCB Women’s First Team for the last 4 years.
“I benefited from the great cricket at Ormskirk School and I’m now playing my club cricket at Burscough CC. This season I’ve secured a regular LCB Women’s place and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be awarded a Thunder contract.”
It mustn’t be forgotten that Alex Hartley a Lancastrian and LCB Women’s player will also been seen in the Kia Super League in Surrey Stars colours.
The LCB Women’s First Team have started their county campaign strongly after securing promotion last year to the Royal London Women’s 1-Day Championship Division 1. They have recorded wins against Middlesex, Berkshire and Kent and currently lie third in the table.
This weekend sees the team travel to Surrey on Sunday 30 July in pole position of Division 1 of the NatWest Women’s County T20 competition, having won 5 of their 6 matches played so far. If they have successful results against their opponents Surrey and Yorkshire, they will win their first silverware of the season.
To follow how the LCB Women First Team get on this weekend follow @LCBWandG Twitter handle for scores and updates.
Report courtesy of Lancashire Cricket Board
