Ramsbottom Meet Sefton Park In Women's Thunder KO Cup Final
This Sunday’s LCF Women’s KO Cup Final promises to be a celebration of women’s cricket in Lancashire, as Ramsbottom Cricket Club take on Sefton Park Cricket Club. Both sides bring exciting squads, impressive recent achievements, and two very different but equally inspiring stories of growth.
Ramsbottom only launched their Women and Girls’ section in 2020 under head coach Iain Collier, but the rise has been remarkable. From grassroots pathways starting with All Stars and Dynamos, the section has grown to more than 80 members and already boasts a string of titles at county level.
In 2024 they made national headlines by entering their women’s 1st XI into the men’s Lancashire League, a bold move designed to stretch and develop their young players, and one that quickly paid off with early victories and continued progress. The team has also produced top individual talent, including Grace Johnson, who made her senior Thunder debut last year, and several others who have earned Thunder Academy call-ups.
Led in 2025 by captain and Thunder Academy player Maeve Jones, Ramsbottom arrive in the final as the youngest side in the competition, with an average age of just over 15. Every player has come through Ramsbottom’s junior ranks, a point of pride for the club and a reflection of its commitment to homegrown cricket.
Sefton Park’s women’s section was founded in 2019 and has flourished at remarkable speed. Now with more than 40 members competing across pairs, T20 and 40-over formats, and over 30 girls in the junior pathway, Sefton Park is establishing itself as a powerhouse in women’s cricket across Liverpool and Lancashire.
The senior squad has reached the Lancashire T20 Final for the second consecutive year, proving that their progress is no flash in the pan. The team blends experience with homegrown development. Dorset’s Sarah Culloty captains the side, supported by Lorna Harper as vice-captain, while Lancashire U15 star Caitlin Summers adds youthful promise. Tasmania’s Alice Kelly brings overseas quality to an already talented line-up, which also includes players such as Rachel Farmer, Emma Arnold, Charlie Jeffreys and Yasmin Starkey.
The Final Ahead
Both clubs represent the best of what’s happening in women’s cricket today: Ramsbottom, with their fearless and youthful side pushing boundaries, and Sefton Park, with their proven track record of achieving success just six years into their women’s journey. With a trophy at stake and plenty of talent on show, Sunday’s Women’s Thunder KO Cup Final promises to be a thrilling contest and a clear sign of just how strong and exciting the women’s game is becoming across the region.
Join us at Ormskirk Cricket Club at 1.30pm on Sunday 24th August for what promises to be an excellent contest.