Ashford Cricket Club is celebrating its first England Women’s call up. 13 year old ladies wicket keeper Rhianna Southby has been invited to join the England Women’s Development Programme U15.

Rhianna has been ‘keeper for the ladies league side all season, and has impressed behind the stumps, and with her attacking style of batting. As well as playing in her own age group, U13, she has also represented Surrey this season right up to U19 level. She will now be part of an intensive winter training programme, at the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough.

Proud Dad, Ian, says “I can’t tell you how it feels to look on the ECB website and see your child’s name on it.” He was also quick to pay tribute to the help and support Rhianna has received from the club, saying “A big thank you to all the coaches at Ashford that have helped her to get this far.”

Ladies Head Coach Daniel Simper has been responsible for her training programme at the Club, with former County wicket keeper Katie Butler also on hand to offer advice.

Rhianna is under no illusions about what lies ahead – she knows that to progress further along the England pathway will require dedication and hard work, but she’s no stranger to that, and to have been selected so early in her career must fill her with confidence.