Thunder Cricket announces 2022 Academy intake
Thunder Cricket is delighted to announce its Academy intake ahead of the 2022 season.
The Thunder Academy has been selected following a rigorous selection process comprising of match play and training sessions for players across the North West, with Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria players observed.
The result of this process has been the selection of a squad of 12 players.
There will also be opportunity for further additions through the winter for players who continue to impress in their respective Counties, to take part in a full winter programme, with a pre-season block followed by a varied fixture list in 2022.
Thunder Academy Intake:
Summer Carrington - Lancashire– Right arm seam bowler and middle order batter who has real potential as an all-rounder. A second year on the programme at just 15 years old, a leader amongst the group with a real thirst for knowledge.
Grace Johnson – Lancashire – Right arm seam bowler and middle order batter who has great control with the new ball and the ability to take early wickets. A second year on the programme and showing strong leadership skills, a real asset in team discussions.
Olivia Bell – Cheshire – A first year on the programme, after impressing across the summer with both bat and ball at county level and then through the North West Cup. A top order bat and an off spinner, who only took up the art less than 2 years ago.
Grace Michell – Cheshire – Leg spinner and lower order bat, the leading wicket taker in the Academy during 2021 as a 15 year old. Showed real character in her first year on the Academy, stepping up to bowl in tight situations and coming out on top.
Tilly Kesteven – Cheshire – A left handed top order bat and leg spinner, a second year on the Academy who is a resilient character who hits the ball hard. She is a brilliant fielder, who fully commits in the field and has taken some outstanding catches.
Brianna Ray – Bermuda – A right arm pace bowler and middle order bat, currently studying at Loughborough University, a player with real fire and competitiveness. She bowls with genuine pace and a real athlete in the field. The fasted across the ground and a rocket arm, patrols the boundary with ease.
Bethan Robinson – Cheshire – A right arm pace bowler with genuine pace with the new ball. A second year on the programme who is developing her skills to be a real threat with the new ball and powerful striker of the ball down the order.
Emilia Lamb – Lancashire – A first year on the programme, a right arm seamer who has proved dangerous with the new ball, able to bowl with pace and swing the ball. Emilia impressed with the bat as well this summer, scoring key runs at county level and stepping up to the U18s.
Emily Sutton – Lancashire – A second year on the Academy, a genuine all rounder who takes wickets when they are most needed alongside a great slower ball. Emily is a leader within the group, a real competitor and team member.
Olivia Brinsden – Cumbria – A second year on the programme at just 15, Olivia has the potential to bowl with pace and to play a key role with the bat in the middle overs, capable of striking the ball over the boundary. One of the strongest boundary fielders, she has taken some impressive catches.
Sophie Morris – Cheshire – A first year on the programme, a left arm spinner who put in some really impressive performances across the North West cup, taking wickets consistently and beating the bat.
Amelia Sammons – Lancashire – A second year on the programme, the youngest player on the programme but someone with real competitiveness. Amelia is a genuine all rounder who bowls with pace and bats in the top order, she has put in some eye catching performances through the summer and there is more to come.
Senior Regional Talent Manager, Jen Barden commented: "With a full winter ahead of the players for the first time since the Academy programme was introduced, we are looking forward to making some really positive progress, followed by an action packed summer of cricket.
"With a trip to Scotland and at least one festival plus a number of standalone fixtures across various formats the players will have plenty of opportunity to develop and showcase their skills.
"The 12 month programme will encompass a multitude of areas, all contributing to the players journey, with support with strength & conditioning, nutritionist, physio, sports psychology, female athlete health, wellbeing among others, the players will receive a well-rounded programme in which to utilise.
"We are looking forward to seeing this group develop, both on and off the pitch. The women’s game is in an exciting place, continually evolving with opportunities, across the Thunder pathway we are committed to supporting these players to reach their potential and form a lifelong love of cricket."
Further information of the Academy fixture list for the 2022 season, will be provided once confirmed.