Emma Marlow has hailed the work of Northern Diamonds new assistant coach Peter Ross in helping to progress the games of the region’s non-Hundred players over the last month.
Ross joined the coaching staff at Headingley at the start of July from Cricket Scotland, where he worked in their women’s set-up for more than eight years.
The 30-year-old former Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities batter led the Scotland women’s set-up for the last year before joining compatriot and fellow Aberdonian Kyle Coetzer at the Diamonds.
Diamonds head coach Dani Hazell has been leading the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred through August, while Ross’s fellow assistant Coetzer has been working as part of the Welsh Fire women’s coaching staff.
Picture, Getty Images. Peter Ross on Scotland Under 19s duty during his playing career.
That has meant Ross has been able to get to work with Marlow and the other Diamonds who have not been on Hundred duty.
Of the 18-strong squad, only Katherine Fraser, Abi Glen, Yvonne Graves, Beth Langston, Marlow, Rachel Slater, Phoebe Turner and Jess Woolston have not been involved in the Hundred.
“With a small group of us, we’ve got a lot out of it,” said all-rounder Marlow.
“Just from a batting side of things, for example, we’ve had a really good volume of training. Yes, you want to be involved in the Hundred. But, personally, I’ve got as much out of it as I could have.
“It’s been good to work with Peter, who has only been around for a bit as a new coach. He’s been excellent.
“When he’s in the nets, he can throw absolutely anything at you – left-arm spin, seam, whatever you need. He’s been a really good addition to our team.”
It hasn’t all been time in the nets, with a handful of second-team and Academy regional matches played when the weather has allowed.
“We’ve had two or three games, and it’s been good to get a bit of time on the feet out there on the field,” said Marlow.
The Hundred concluded on Sunday with the Southern Brave beating the Northern Superchargers in the final at Lord’s – a match involving four Diamonds players, including overseas all-rounder Chloe Tryon.
The South African was on the winning side with the Brave, triumphing over Hollie Armitage, Leah Dobson and Bess Heath.
There were a host of other Diamonds players involved across the competition, including in the Superchargers wider squad.
And Marlow is hoping they will all return to regional duty brimming with confidence that will rub off as the Diamonds attempt to keep alive their Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy title defence with four group games to come in September.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com: Emma Marlow.
The first of those is against Southern Vipers at South Northumberland CC next Tuesday.
Marlow added: “I know Birmingham Phoenix didn’t have much success, but Katie Levick and Sterre Kalis put in some good contributions for them. Hopefully they’re coming back to us with confidence.
“It’s obviously the same with a fair few of the Superchargers girls. For players like Grace Hall to be involved in that set-up without playing, it’s still going to be so beneficial.
“Even some of the girls who have been playing in our second team will be feeling really good.
“Rebecca Duckworth is one who has looked in great nick.”
