Alexandra Joins The Academy

ALEXANDRA HARTLEY has become the second girl to join Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Academy.

The 17 year old left arm spinner from Burnley has been with Read Cricket Club since the age of 11 and follows in the footsteps of Kathryn Cross by earning a place at Lancashire’s Academy.

She has represented Lancashire at under 13, 15 and 17 levels, whilst also earning recognition at international level with England under 17s and the England Women’s Academy.

Alex, who lists fellow spinner Monty Panesar as her favourite cricketer, is determined to make the most of her opportunity.

She said: “I enjoy the challenge of playing cricket and the banter I have with my fellow players. Playing with and against some of the best cricketers in the country at this level will only help me improve in all aspects as a player.

“I would eventually like to play full time cricket for England and coach young children who love the game.”

Paul Bryson (LCB Cricket Development Manager, with the remit of development of Women's and Girls' Cricket) said: "Alex has come through the Lancashire Cricket Board County Girls' System, proving with hard work and dedication, excellent results can be achieved.”

Tony Potter (LCB Girls U13 Head Coach) added: "Alex was nominated to play for Lancashire Girls U13s in 2006 and was selected as a left arm medium pace bowler. It became apparent during the season that she wasn't going to get a regular place as medium pace bowler, so I suggested her natural action leant itself to slow left arm bowling instead, which she tried with immediate success and hasn't looked back since."

Ends

Editors Notes:

• Alexandra Hartley has come through the Lancashire Cricket Board (LCB) system starting her playing career at Read CC (an LCB Focus Club) and Ribblesdale High School (Clitheroe). She has worked her way through the county age groups selected to play at Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17s levels, including representation at England under 17s and the England Women’s Academy.
   
• The LCB is the Governing Body for cricket in Lancashire responsible for promoting the game of cricket at all levels through partnership of the professional and recreational cricketing bodies and all other appropriate agencies within Lancashire.
   
• Cricket played at grass roots level right the way through to junior county and senior county women and disabilities is overseen by the LCB. The LCB are the county arm (County Cricket Board) of the England and Wales Cricket Board and is there to ensure that every person, including players of all levels of experience and ability, has the opportunity to play and become involved in the game in a fully structured, organised and resourced club environment. County Cricket Boards exist to lead, inspire and influence the growth, quality and accessibility of cricket in its Counties.
   
• The LCB is essentially responsible for cricket activity in Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, Clubs, District Cricket Development Groups, Junior County Boys and Girls, Senior County Women and Disabilities and the elite County juniors. The LCB's job is done when it passes on a promising junior player to the Lancashire County Cricket Club Academy and it is hoped that he will represent Lancashire at the senior level in future years.
   
• Overall the LCB works hard to promote cricket from Playground to County and in areas which include: Minority Ethnic Community cricket, Disability cricket, Women's and Girls cricket, Coach Education, Child Welfare, Schools cricket, District cricket, Excellence cricket, Facility Development, Junior and Senior competitions.
   
• There are 404 affiliated cricket clubs in Lancashire of which 296 have a junior section, with 141 ECB Clubmark Accredited clubs – highest in the country and 122 Focus Club – highest in country.
   
• The LCB is responsible for 8 boys county squads at U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U19 and 5 girls county squads at U11, U13, U15, U17, U19. Additionally the Senior women’s squad and disability squads also come under LCB’s remit.
   
• There are 27 Districts in all of Lancashire and approximately 2335 schools of which 1975 are primary and 360 are secondary / private / special needs schools.

For further information, please contact Paul Holliday (LCCC Communications Manager) on 07866 562998 or Dipesh Asher (LCB Business Operations Manager) on 0161 282 4188).