LCB apply to host team in Women’s Super League
THE Lancashire Cricket Board (LCB) have applied to host a Women’s Super League team from 2016.
The Board – which works closely with Lancashire and oversees the grassroots and women’s game in the county – will face tough competition to secure one of the six spots available in the new T20 competition, which launches next year.
The LCB, however, have been one of the leading movers in women’s cricket in the country over recent years.
Last season Lancashire’s womens team won promotion to the top-flight of the County Championship, while Kate Cross – who has come through the county’s academy – is in the current England Ashes side and has just signed a deal to play for Brisbane Heat in the new Women’s Big Bash in Australia this winter.
Bobby Cross, vice chairman of the board of directors of the LCB, said: “The Board has invested significantly in the development of our women and girls programme over the last few years with a full-time Women & Girls Cricket Development Officer in Jen Laycock, and success has been reflected at both senior county level as well as in a growth in participation at grassroots level.
“We currently have six girls involved in ECB development programs and have seen a number of clubs starting girls sections and expanding the opportunities for girls to play the game.
“We are proud of the growth of the game in the county and the successes of our girls at all levels.”
The ECB have put £3m into the Super League which will expand to include a 50-over tournament from 2017.
“The WCSL is a fantastic opportunity to further develop the game through a highclass competition at senior level, increased exposure for the game and increased investment at all levels and, having listened to all of the information provided, we have expressed interest in hosting one of the teams,” added Bobby, who is Kate’s brother.
“This is a very exciting time for the game and we are delighted to be at the forefront of it”.
Kate, meanwhile, will be spending the winter
Lancashire and England’s Kate Cross in Australia following her deal to be one of two overseas players for the Heat. It is the latest in a string of firsts for the bowler.
Earlier this year she became the first woman to play in the Central Lancashire League men’s competition for her home club Heywood, taking 8-47 against Unsworth a few weeks after her debut.
Brisbane coach Andy Richards said: “Kate and her brother Bobby both play for Heywood and are mates with Clinton Perren, the former Bulls batsman who plays for a rival club (Littleborough) in the Central Lancashire League, and he was good enough to give us a ringing endorsement.”