Lancashire Thunder prepare for historic Roses clash
There is no bigger occasion in the domestic calendar for Lancashire Cricket than the Vitality Blast fixture against Yorkshire.
The War of the Roses is a prestigious game, one that creates history. On Friday, when Lancashire Thunder face the White Rose in the Women’s Blast, yet more history will be made.
It will be the first time the two sides meet at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground in T20 cricket in the professional era.
They have already met in the competition, last week at York Cricket Club. Ellie Threlkeld’s side ran out victors in that historic encounter, the first of its kind in Blast history. Teenage spinner Venus Weerappuli picked up figures of 3-13 as Yorkshire reached 160-7, before a brilliant 57 from Eve Jones helped guide Thunder over the line.
Speaking to LancsTV after her match-winning knock, opening batter Jones stressed just how exciting the historic fixture at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground this week is.
“That’s been one in the calendar that we’ve been looking forward to from the start. It’s going to be a big event, obviously a double-header. So, yeah, we’re really looking forward to that, and can’t wait for the return fixture.
“It’s obviously a big fixture for us, and great to have the double header with the men as well. Hopefully we get a good crowd down at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground. I think we will, I think it’s been well-publicised, and hopefully we can go two for two in the Roses.”
This is a fixture that holds particular significance to the homegrown players who came through the academy.
The likes of Emma Lamb and Kate Cross have been with the Red Rose for their entire career. This occasion feels particularly special to those homegrown stars.
Cross recently passed the incredible milestone of 100 appearances for Lancashire since the club turned professional in 2016 at the start of the Kia Super League. She is, in every sense of the word, a legend.
Playing at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground means so much to the fast bowler. Cross explained that she is particularly excited to experience a Roses clash at the stadium.
“It’s a unique place to play, actually, because it’s almost a bit like an amphitheatre because you’ve got everything built up.
“I feel like the atmosphere here, especially, you think about Roses games. I’ve probably experienced them more from a fan point of view, listening and watching in the crowd. I’m really excited to be a player in that this year and actually feel what it’s like."
The first Roses clash of the professional era at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground in the women’s Blast is a momentous occasion for Cross and all of her Lancashire teammates.
Backed by loyal home support and looking to go two out of two against the White Rose this season in the shortest format, Thunder could be truly set for one of the greatest days in recent memory.
There are still a few hundred tickets available for the double-header. Make sure you don’t miss out, get your tickets here.
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