Shining the Light.
When father Gary Thompson took to the field with his daughter Jess Thompson just over a week ago he probably didn't expect to walk off the field having taken over half the opposition wickets between them... Well, that is exactly what happened!
Another proud moment for the family adding to Jess' achievements over the years. Jess has represented Yorkshire Girls all the way through the age groups, meanwhile playing her club cricket at Pannal CC.
As Gary and Jess took to the field defending a first innings score of 187, they waited their turn, coming on to bowl as first and second change. Jess clean bowled the first Pately Bridge victim for the pair, before they went on to take 6 wickets, split evenly between them.
With Jess taking 3 wickets for 21 runs and Gary taking 3 wickets for 22, the fantastic performance led their team to an 80 run victory.
After Gary retired from playing, he may have thought days like this were behind him. But coming out of retirement to share the field with his daughter was an opportunity he couldn't turn down. Here is what Gary had to say on a very proud day for the family:
"I am really proud of Jess. Her confidence has been knocked due to lack of games through lockdown and she's been managing studying for her GCSE's as well. When she didn't get any runs in our innings she could easily of let things get to her, but she really pulled out the stops and bowled very well. The fight and determination she showed to bounce back was actually what made me most proud rather than the very good figures produced!"
Story by Rob Johnson
r.johnson@yorkshirecb.com
@RobJohnsonYCB
Please contact Rob with your stories!