Notts and Farndon bowler Rhiannon Knowling-Davies reaches final of Women’s British Open with new team Loughborough Sparks

A rising cricket star secured silver with her new team at a tournament involving the country’s most promising talent.

Rhiannon Knowling-Davies, from Farndon, has made major strides in her cricket pathway after winning a place on Loughborough Sparks’ winter regional development programme.

After being put forward by Nottinghamshire Cricket Club, the specialist bowler put in two successful showings in October, in front of national talent managers from Lords.

And, over a two-day tournament at the weekend, Knowling-Davies impressed, helping her team reach the final of the Women’s British Open.

“She was ecstatic because there were over 40 girls at the trails,” said Rhiannon’s mum, Amanda, who watched her impress on her Loughborough Sparks debut.

“Its the equivalent of playing for your region and there is only nine of these teams in the country.

“This is where you can get scouted ­— she wants to prove herself here at this level. It could possibly lead to England.

“It will be a fantastic experience for her because she is playing against, and with, the best of the best.”

At just 14-years-old Knowling-Davies was one of the youngest on the programme, with it ranging in age from 14 to 21.

“She has set targets of adding more variation to her bowling, with a specific target of improving her delivery of the leg break (a right-handed leg spin ball),” said Amanda.

“You can’t bowl the same line and length over and over again because the batter will know what you are going to do.

“There is also her batting and that’s about developing an array of shots.”

Knowling-Davies, who also plays for Notts under-15 and under-17s, as well as Farndon, has 13 sessions left as part of the programme.