A CRICKET club brought together more than 100 of its female players to celebrate the burgeoning success of women's cricket, five years on from the introduction of its first ladies team.

Based in the heart of Wilmslow, Lindow CC women’s team first competed in a soft-ball festival that the club hosted in 2018, ahead of forming its first women’s hard-ball team in 2019.

Since then, the women’s and girl’s section has flourished, with more than 120 playing members across three senior hard-ball teams, a soft-ball team, and seven junior teams across various age groups.

Notably, the club were also crowned North of England champions earlier this month, advancing to the national T20 women's semi finals, showcasing its exceptional progress at both grassroots and elite levels.

Three professional Manchester Originals players – Ellie Threlkeld, Ami Campbell and Fi Morris – made the fifth anniversary celebrations extra special with a surprise appearance, speaking to aspiring female players, sharing exclusive insight from the professional game, taking part in a Q&A and handing out Manchester Originals merchandise with everyone at the event.

Manchester Originals play in The Hundred, a new, innovative form of cricket, fusing sport and music, aimed at getting new audiences involved in the sport.

The Lindow Cricket Club visit is one of many community activations that Manchester Originals have been involved in as they build up to the start of The Hundred and comes ahead of their first home game at Emirates Old Trafford on Saturday, August 5 versus London Spirit.

Dr Jo Seddon, women and girl’s lead and women’s first-team captain at Lindow Cricket Club, said: “We’ve been on such an amazing journey these past five years, and to see how many women and girls we’ve got playing on a regular basis is just amazing.

“Events like this are so important for taking stock of what we’ve achieved, and to have professional players who’ve gone all the way and are playing professionally here to speak with the next generation is what it’s all about – they’re a real role model for the next generation.”

Manchester Originals player Ami Campbell said: “Grassroots cricket is the lifeblood of the game and it’s been so inspiring to see so many women and girls given the opportunity to play cricket.

“Huge kudos goes to all of the coaches, volunteers and players involved with the club for creating such a special atmosphere and feeling in the club.

“Fingers crossed we see some of the players we’ve met today competing in The Hundred for Manchester Originals in the coming years!”