A women’s cricket team packed with players from Tarleton and the surrounding area are heading for a tour of Barbados.

The West Lancashire Cricket Development Group’s women and girls squad are going to the Caribbean for a series of matches during the nine-day trip.

The touring party will include a squad of 19 players, who will also be benefitting from the expertise of two current Lancashire Thunder players — captain and wicketkeeper Ellie Threlkeld, and Danielle Collins. The Thunder players will be joining the tour in a coaching and mentoring capacity.

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“This tour is a massive squad effort and a trip of a lifetime for us all,” said Jemma McVey, WLCDG Women and Girls squad captain. We will get to see a part of the game that most grassroots players will never experience: a tour.”

Speaking about the participation of the Thunder players, she said: “I was blown away when I found out they were coming and I think some of our girls were a little star-struck at the first training session with Ellie and Dani too!

“The fact that both Ellie and Dani are willing to give up their time to support us is amazing. The game is desperate for investment, and having them alongside us is massively beneficial.”

Ellie Threlkeld, Lancashire Thunder’s captain and wicketkeeper, said: “I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in, doing some coaching in the sun and spending some time with good people.”

Damian Owen, Chair of WLCDG, sees the tour as a catalyst for international relations in women’s cricket. “This tour is going to build bridges internationally and play a pivotal role in the development of women’s cricket in Barbados.

“We’re beyond excited for our players to be a part of this invaluable cultural exchange and to forge some long-lasting ties with women and girls cricketers in Barbados. It gives all the players opportunities that they wouldn’t naturally get here in Lancashire.”

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