Cricket: Olivia Thomas plays for Lancashire Women

Olivia Thomas presented with her cap from Kate Cross

Heywood Cricket Club youth player, Olivia Thomas, became the latest player to represent Lancashire Women on Sunday 12 May, at Carnforth Cricket Club where the hosts welcomed Nottinghamshire in the a Royal London One Day Cup fixture.

Olivia, who only turned 15 last week, was presented with her cap by Heywood teammate Kate Cross prior to the game which saw Lancashire bat first on a glorious day.

Lancashire made an imposing 241-6 from their 50 overs, wicketkeeper Ellie Threlkeld top scoring with 72 whilst Cross made a quickfire 36 at the end of the innings.

In reply Notts were behind the rate early with Cross and Glossop CC opening partner Alice Dyson keeping things tight before Thomas was introduced into the attack.

The Heywood leg spinner showed no nerves and bowled a lovely spell which included the big wicket of England international Jenny Gunn MBE, who, fittingly, fell to a catch by Cross at midwicket. Thomas finished with 7 overs 1-31 as Lancashire restricted Notts to 195-9 in reply to claim full points.

Cross finished with 10 overs 3-36 as Lancashire recorded their third win from three games to maintain their challenge for the title they won in 2017. It represented a proud day for the club to see two home grown players side by side in county senior colours.

The team move on to the Roses match at Harrogate CC on Sunday before returning to home action against Sussex at Heywood on Sunday 26 May.

A Heywood Cricket Club spokesperson said: “We hope that plenty of supporters will come down and help make the day a big success and give Olivia, Kate and all the team plenty of local support.”