Cricket: Thomas sets new Lancs record with 8-wicket haul

Olivia Thomas with the match ball she received as a memento of her achievement

Olivia Thomas has broken a Lancashire women’s record previously held by her Heywood Cricket Club colleague Kate Cross.

The 15-year-old protégé recorded incredible figures with her leg-spin bowling while playing for the Lancashire Women’s Under-17s side against Durham on 6 August 2019.

Olivia, a student at Siddal Moor Sports College, claimed eight wickets for 10 runs from just four overs – including a hat-trick – exceeding Kate’s record of 7-7 from seven overs.

The amazing feat also means that Olivia is the only female to have taken eight wickets in a competitive game for Lancashire.

Olivia said: "I feel very proud to have beaten Kate’s long standing record and I hope to one day follow in Kate’s footsteps by becoming a professional cricketer."

Olivia's mum Hayley Thomas said: "I am extremely proud of Olivia’s record breaking wicket haul which is a fabulous achievement given that Kate’s previous record stood for 12 years. Olivia has had another outstanding season, receiving her Lancs women 1st team cap (presented by Kate Cross) and finishing with a invite to the ECB (English Cricket Board) School games, a round robin tournament played between the best 39 girls in the country."

Olivia is also a promising right-hand batter, and has played for Heywood’s second and third teams on a regular basis. Her latest performance indicates that she is an exciting all-round prospect in the women’s game.