Leicestershire Women Win East of England County Championship

Leicestershire Women enjoyed a memorable end to the 2023 season after winning the East of England County Championship last weekend.

Stephen Franklin’s side beat Northamptonshire by six wickets in Sunday’s finale to end the campaign unbeaten at the summit of the league.

Victories over Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Huntingdonshire and Northants, as well as a dramatic tie against Suffolk, helped the Foxes top the group by an eight-point margin.

Aimee Colquhoun starred with figures of 3/11 from seven overs during Sunday’s triumph, as Leicestershire dismissed the hosts for just 89, before Flora Davies and Lucy Weston guided the side home.

It crowned a great campaign for 19-year-old Colquhoun, who finished third in the competition’s bowling charts with nine wickets at an average of just 9.33.

Una Paramjothy was fourth, taking seven wickets at 11.86, while Matila Prince snared the group’s best figures thanks to a masterful 6/14 in June’s tie with Suffolk.

Following her arrival from Lincolnshire in the winter, Rebecca Brooker enjoyed a fruitful campaign, finishing as the second highest run-scorer with 157 runs at 39.25. Beth Wright’s 144 runs at 48 placed her third in the ladder.

Women’s Head Coach, Stephen Franklin, said: “The consistency of our performances this year in all departments was fantastic to see. We were far sharper in the field and restricted teams to low scores, which all adds up to winning games.

“Our new signings certainly had a positive impact, particularly the stability Rebecca Brooker provided at the top of the order.

“Above all, our results stemmed from the girls’ commitment to training on a Saturday night during the winter. That dedication upskilled each and every player, which was reflected in our performances across this competition.”