Talented Zara nets county honours

Photo: PICTURE: PAUL STERRITT

STRAIGHT BAT: Zara Matthews will play for Lancashire against Roses rivals Yorkshire in May.

Cricket:

TEN-year-old Zara Matthews has been selected for Lancashire’s 14-strong under-11s girls’ team - despite having taken up cricket only a year ago.

Royton-dwelling Zara, who goes to Firbank Primary School, has starred for Heyside at under-nines, 11s and 13s level in the Saddleworth and District League and Oldham indoor leagues.

She first came to Lancashire’s attention last September and was selected for the county from 40 girls at an Old Trafford trials day

Zara will play in a county double-header in May, when Lancashire meet Yorkshire in the morning and Staffordshire in the afternoon, followed by a four-day tournament at Malvern.

Zara’s proud mum Helen said: “Considering she’s only been playing cricket for such a relatively short time, Zara has done so well. We’re all excited for her. She’s really looking forward to the Lancashire games, and of course playing for Heyside again in the summer.

Zara was the star as Heyside maintained their challenge for the under-nines OIdham Indoor Cricket League title.

Her team looked as though they had it all to do in reply to Glodwick’s 233, but Zara smashed 20 off the penultimate over to guide joint leaders Heyside to a match-winning 249.