Thunder struck: Honour for Heyside girls

OUR HEROES . . . Heyside Hyenas and Brooksbottom with players from Lancashire Thunder

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HEYSIDE Hyenas under-12s were as proud as punch after forming a guard of honour for Lancashire Thunder's visit to Royton Cricket Club.

The girls and their Brooksbottom CC counterparts, from Bury, welcomed the Red Rose women's senior team on to The Paddock ground for their match against Leicestershire.

The Lancashire players, including Kate Cross, were delighted to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the star-struck youngsters.

Heyside under-12s coach Helen Matthew said: "It was a great experience for the girls, but it also worked both ways as the Lancashire players saw how they have inspired the next generation."

Jennifer Bardon, the Lancashire Women and Girls development officer, added: "It was fantastic for the players to realise just how important they are to the up and coming youngsters. They are real role models."

As well as a prominent Heyside junior member, Matthews' daughter Zara also plays for Didsbury Women, and it was through her connection with senior club-mate Lauren Smith ­- Thunder's overseas player from Australia ­- which led to the girls playing a part on the big day.

After carrying out their ceremonial duties, Heyside and Brooksbottom players moved on to Little Hey Street for a Lancashire under-12s game.

Brooksbottom were restricted to 40 runs from their 20 overs, before rain intervened. The match will be concluded this weekend.

The wet weather also curtailed Lancashire's fixture with Leicestershire, who only faced a handful over overs until the heavens opened.

Royton CC chairman Tony Spence: "It's such a pity the rain arrived as the ground looked really well and we had a good number of people in."

Heyside Hyenas welcome more girls to their burgeoning junior set-up.

Training takes place every Thursday at the ground, and for more details contact Matthews on on 07723 024087.