Destructive Dobbo – the first-time professional
Batter Leah Dobson signed her maiden pro contract with the Northern Diamonds ahead of 2023, hot on the heels of a key middle order innings in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final at Lord’s in September 2022. Coming in at 119-5, she hit a measured unbeaten 34 to underpin a winning total of 215-9 against the Souther Vipers.
In many ways, it was an uncharacteristic innings from the Scarborough-born right-hander, who can be as destructive as anyone in the Diamonds’ squad.
Dobson, 22-years-old, made her regional debut in 2021 and hit an unbeaten 44 opening the batting in her second game – a Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 win over Sunrisers at Chelmsford. She spent valuable time at the crease batting alongside England legend Sarah Taylor in that match.
Not only is she a dynamic batter, Dobson is also a gun outfielder.
She has represented Yorkshire since Under 13s level and progressed through to senior county cricket, debuting for her home county during the 2018 summer.
A regular bowler during her age-group career, she once smashed a stunning 161 off only 81 balls opening the batting in a Yorkshire Under 17s T20 fixture against Derbyshire in 2019.
In 2023, she hit a fine 68 not out – her regional best – batting at number four in an RHFT win over Western Storm at Taunton in September.
Dobson warmed up for 2024 with a spell of winter club cricket in Australia, playing for Gold Coast Dolphins. She used that as an opportunity to progress her bowling as well as her batting. She can bowl either medium pace or off-spin.
UPDATED: Feb 2024.
