Trafford

LANCASHIRE Thunder’s Laura MacLeod and Lancashire Lightning all-rounder Liam Livingstone visited Bowdon Cricket Club on May 19 to launch the Thunder and Lightning Roadshow.

The roadshow will visit more than 50 schools and junior cricket clubs in the region to encourage children and their families to visit Emirates Old Trafford for a summer of live cricket, live music and fun entertainment for all the family.

It features the AO.com inflatable bowling game which allows participants to test their bowling technique, accuracy and speed against family and friends, the NatWest T20 Blast Trophy so families can have their pictures taken with it, There will also be appearances from Lancashire Lightning and Lancashire Thunder players at certain events..

MacLeod and Livingstone were both on hand to take part in some coaching sessions with Bowdon’s young cricketers.

The duo also took part in an interesting questions and answers session, hosted by former Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren Hegg, which gave an insight into playing cricket at the highest level.

Lancashire Thunder is one of six new teams competing in the inaugural Kia Super League this season. One of the principal objectives for the Kia Super League is to ensure a “best v best” experience is established in the women’s game in England and Wales and also to bridge the gap between county and international cricket.

Laura MacLeod said: “The Thunder and Lightning Roadshow is a great way to get closer to our fans and local communities in the North West. It’s an excellent opportunity for Lancashire Thunder to spread the word about the new women’s team in the Kia Super League and what is on offer at Emirates Old Trafford.

“It was great to be quizzed by and be bowled at by some keen, young cricketers from Bowden Cricket Club. Our core message was to enjoy their cricket through lots of practice and play with confidence.

“I hope that through the Roadshow, the Kia Super League competition and the various Thunder community activities we will engage and encourage more women and girls to get involved in cricket.”

Tickets for the Lancashire Thunder and Lancashire Lightning fixtures at Emirates Old Trafford are currently on sale and can be purchased at http://www.lccc.co.uk/cricket