DEANS DELIVERS

It’s been a tough time for Strabane Women with their young side in the middle of a redevelopment phase. That’s not to say there haven’t been positives for the Tyrone side, one of which has been the development of captain Chloe Deans who is blossoming into a genuinely consistent all-rounder.

“Chloe comes from a cricketing family, having been around the sport all her life, so it’s no real surprise she has ended up playing” said Head Coach Michael Gillespie.

“She has been an instrumental part of the Ladies’ team for a very long time but was thrust into the captaincy at a difficult time when the squad lost almost the entire elite group. It would be fair to say that she struggled with the captaincy initially, but is now thriving in the role and leading the team from the front.

“She’s showing the form this season that has seen just why she has been captained at interprovincial level. She is a true three-dimensional cricketer, strong batter, wicket-taking bowler, and on her day is one of the best fielders in the country.

“Chloe lacked confidence at times in her batting, but her elevation to opener this year has been the catalyst for some wonderful performances, and has given her the belief that she can be one of the best players in the North West Women’s Premiership, especially in terms of power.

“There’s no doubt she is doing a brilliant job leading a very young group of players that continue to grow and develop under her stewardship.”

Deans scored an unbeaten half century on Monday night, but it just wasn’t enough to lead the team to victory at home to Eglinton.

The left-hander hit three boundaries in her 53 not out, sharing a fifth wicket stand of 50 with Nicola Mullen (17) in a Strabane total of 108 for five. She and Abbey-Gale McGarrigle then took two wickets each, but Eglinton eventually won by three wickets.