James Carr has stepped down from his role as the Regional Director of Women’s Cricket for the Northern Diamonds.
Carr, held the position for four seasons, after previously working in cricket in New Zealand, Scotland and with the Dutch women’s national team. He will step down to relocate to the North West due to family commitments.
Carr, along with head coach Dani Hazell, captain Hollie Armitage and the rest of the backroom staff, has overseen the Diamonds successful development from the start of regional cricket in summer 2020, which has seen a core of young and experienced regional players develop whilst also adding quality signings.
This culminated in the side winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT) final at Lord’s in 2022. Diamonds edged out Southern Vipers by two runs after the side lost to Vipers twice before in finals but dethroned them at the third attempt.
The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final – Northern Diamonds v Southern Vipers – Lord’s, London, England – Northern Diamonds celebrate with family and friends after winning the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy Final against the Southern Vipers.
Carr said: “Winning the RHF Trophy final at Lord’s was of course a brilliant moment. Winning a domestic trophy at Lord’s is hard to top. You can’t beat winning at Lord’s. It’s just the best place in cricket, bar none.”
During Carr’s tenure, Katherine and Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-Hill and Bess Heath have all played senior international cricket for England since the inception of the Diamonds. But only Heath hadn’t played before the beginning of the regional structure.
Captain Armitage has also progressed through to play England A cricket – while Emma Marlow and Lizzie Scott were both involved in the inaugural Under 19s World Cup in South Africa at the start of this year.
Hollie Armitage and Lauren Winfield-Hill running between the wickets.
Carr said: “The regional game is in a really good place – with the eight centres of excellence being an engine room and a supply chain for a long and strong England pathway.
“I’d like to say thank you to an outstanding staff team that work tirelessly behind the scenes and across the pathway. They each offer great skills, knowledge and insight that has contributed hugely to raising the standards and improving performance. I’ve really enjoyed my time working with such a great team and outstanding people. I wish the Northern Diamonds every success in the coming years.”
The Northern Diamonds and the Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) would like to thank James for his work and wish him all the best for the future.
