‘First Lady’ Alex eyes more glory at Clitheroe (From Lancashire Telegraph)

‘First Lady’ Alex eyes more glory at Clitheroe

9:55am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Sport By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

FIRST female Alex Hartley says she loved her debut for Clitheroe and is now targetting a run in the first team after winning rich praise.

The 18-year-old spinner broke new ground when she became the first woman to play for Clitheroe’s first team in the Ramsbottom Cup quarter-final with Settle at Chatburn Road.

And while her debut ended with a a loss, Lancashire Women star Hartley impressed and is now hoping to keep her spot.

“I was a little bit nervous,” she admitted. “But as soon as I got my first ball out of the way I was fine.

“All the guys in the team were really supportive but it was just a shame that we couldn’t get the win.”

Hartley bowled 10 overs and ended with 0-28 and skipper Paul Gaskell was more than happy with the young spinner’s contribution.

“Alex bowled really well,” said Gaskell. “When she came on to bowl it looked as though Settle were going to get 300, they were running away with the game.

“But she tied the batsmen down and stopped them scoring and deserved a few wickets.

“She is the first woman to play for the first team at Clitheroe and it is a big step up into the Senior League but she did a terrific job for us and I would have her back in the team.”

Hartley, who managed to run out Settle pro Mansoor Amjad, should have played in Clitheroe’s T20 game with Whalley on Friday and in the league game Cherry Tree on Saturday only to be frustrated by the rain.

The weather has caused much weather frustration for Lancashire Women and she added: “Sunday was great. The season has been pretty rubbish this year with the weather and we have only played two games with Lancashire.

“We have a bit of a break with Lancs now until the middle of July. Hopefully I can keep on impressing and keep my place in the Clitheroe team.”