Women’s players called up to Regional Academies

In what was a fantastic week for the Women and Girls set-up at the club, eight players were called up to their respective Regional Academies to play for Lightning Cricket or Northern Diamonds. 

Lightning Cricket fielded two teams against Sunrisers Cricket, which featured three existing Lightning Academy players, Lucy Weston, Grace Ballinger & Sophie Bennett with further call-ups for Aimee Colquhoun, Isabelle Hudson & D’Nica Roff. 

Libby Haward & Emily Batey were in action in the Northern Diamonds Talent ID Tournament, which was an opportunity for the Durham University-based players to play in the Yorkshire & North East based Regional Academy.

This is the first time in the club’s history that eight players have been called up to Regional Academies, demonstrating the level of talent within the Women and Girl’s set-up at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. 

Cricket Development Officer for Women and Girls at Leicestershire CCC, Mark Hudson said: “Each of the players thoroughly deserves these opportunities to be called up to Regional Academies as this demonstrates the hard work and dedication they have put in. Having eight players called up is a fantastic moment for the club to showcase the level of talent we have within the Women’s and Girls set up at Leicestershire CCC. I’d like to say congratulations to each of the players, who I have no doubt, will greatly benefit from this experience.”

A brief description of each of the player's performances during the matches can be found below. 

Lightning Cricket 

Image [Left to right]: Grace Ballinger and Sophie Bennett

Grace Ballinger & Sophie Bennett were in action for the Lightning Academy A Team against Sunrisers Academy A Team.

Left arm seamer Ballinger, finished with figures of 5-7 from 4 overs in Game 1 & 1-17 in 3 overs in Game 2. 

Wicket Keeper, Bennett, had a tidy game behind the stumps, after a last-minute switch to the A Team, after an injury to their keeper.

In the Academy B Team, Roff & Colquhoun shared a 34-run partnership in the middle order of Game 1.

Colquhoun hit a quick-fire 29 from 22 balls in Game 2, including 2 big sixes.

Hudson & Weston contributed well in both games, with Hudson coming in at Number 10 to hit a run a ball eight in Game 1.  Weston bowled well without luck, but as ever was excellent in the field.

Northern Diamonds Cricket

Image [Left-to-Right] : Libby Haward and Emily Batey 

Libby Haward & Emily Batey were in action for the Northern Diamonds Talent ID Tournament. 

Batey came away with 2 stumpings & a catch with Haward taking one wicket during the game. Both players were pleased with their performances.

Main Image [Left to Right]: Lucy Weston, Aimee Colquhoun, D’Nica Roff and Isabelle Hudson.