CLITHEROE’S Alex Hartley impressed as she took her place among the top 36 female cricketers in the country at Loughborough at the weekend.

The spinner, who now plays for Middlesex, was taking part in the Super 3s tournament, which showcases the top players in the country, who have been evenly allocated into three teams by the England and Wales Cricket Board women’s selection panel.

Hartley, 20, is playing in Team B, which is captained by England skipper Charlotte Edwards and also includes international ace Laura Marsh.

Lancashire pace bowler Kate Cross and team-mate Georgia Holmes are in Team A, while fellow Red Rose ace Nalisha Patel is a member of Team C.

Hartley took one wicket in the first T20 match of the day against Team A and claimed 1-24 from four overs as Edwards and company restricted their rivals to 120-4.

But Team B could only reply with 104-7 with Cross claiming 1-28.

Cross was in the wickets in the second game of the day as her 2-27 helped skittle Team C for just 86 with Holmes also taking a wicket as they romped to a nine-wicket win in double quick time.

And then Hartley claimed 2-17 from four overs in the final match of the day as Edwards rapid 75 eased Team B to victory.

Hartley and Cross will go head to head again this Sunday when the Super 3s continue with a 50-over game with the action once again at the National Cricket Performance Centre in Loughborough.