Q&A with the Three Women’s Team Captains for 2021
There are three senior captains in the women’s section for 2021, Sophie Ullah is once again 1st XI captain, Daisy Hunt has agreed to be T20 captain with Beth Collier taking the reigns for the Super 8s team. Here they discuss the season ahead.
Despite COVID lockdowns we had a hugely successful 2020 season as a new squad at Ramsbottom CC. What were the highlights from your point of view?
Beth – The highlight for me was getting the number of games in we did.
Soph – Playing as a whole was a massive highlight! It was something we didn’t expect to achieve last season so being able to get out on the field together as a team was a great feeling! And a huge plus to win all the trophies we did!
Daisy – Yeh it was great to just play but the high point for me was finals day at Rammy, in particular the final against Burnley. We’d played them twice and they were both good games where we’d won once each so we knew it would be a challenge and it was a really tight game but great to win at the end.
It will soon be time to start netting again, what are you most looking forward to when we start back up?
Daisy – Definitely meeting all the girls again. We all got on so well last year even though we were a new team so it will be really nice to be able to get together again.
Soph – I agree Daisy, they’re such a lovely group of girls who inspire and motivate each other.
Beth – totally, getting everyone together again and catching up, there will be lots of chatting that first session!!
How are the squads looking for this new season and what goals (if any) have you set your teams?
Soph – I’m looking forward to working with this squad! The teams are looking extremely strong. This season my aim for the first XI is to get playing 40 over cricket that we couldn’t play last year and look towards consistency within the batting.
Daisy – Fitness should be good after the Race to Lords walking challenge….
Beth – I think Grace is still going!! 😂
Daisy – I think we’ll be strong and we’ll be looking to compete and challenge for trophies again.
Beth – From a Super 8s point of view I’m looking to involve some of the younger girls who have come up from u15s, and to play Littleborough again, we had some good games against them last year.
Where is your favourite ground, where do you look for when the fixtures get published?
Soph – I really enjoyed playing over at Hightown last year, having the sun shining and not having to wear a thermal for the first time in the season was a highlight.
Beth – I enjoyed that game too, great chance to top up the tan and when we got back we watched the men’s first team in the final v Church and then went out for a meal as a team afterwards.
Daisy – Burnley again for me. It’s always a good game and I know some of the players through playing at Lancashire.
Beth – Roe Green and Monton are nice grounds but what about our home ground girls?
Daisy / Soph – yeh of course, Rammy!
So who do you think are the senior players to look out for next season and which junior players have you got your eye on as the future stars of the squad?
Soph – I think Kate is a terrific bowler and someone to keep an eye out in the seniors, she was top wicket taker across all the leagues last year.
Daisy – well I think there’s some really good players like Kate ……
Beth – Watch out, I don’t want Kates head to get massive 😂
Daisy – ….. Neve, Imogen, Phoebe, Livs, Lucy, Ruby and Mary who will be good for us again
Beth – Yeh I think Imogen will keep improving next season and remember she’s still only an U15!
Soph – Speaking of juniors then, Ella is one I’ve got my eye on.
Daisy – yeh 100% Ella.
Soph – She’s a dedicated athlete and a great all rounder. She is already proving her value to the senior teams.
Beth – What about Abby, I think she’s gonna be a great player?
Daisy – Abby is great, to take 3 wickets as a 12 year old in the senior final last year after being taken of for dangerous bowling by the same umpires in the U15s final just before it, showed her character.
Beth – there are lots of others, but especially Jade Holden, she will play seniors this year and score runs.
Thanks for your time girls, see you all at the first net session when lockdown is lifted.