TOP cricketers from the district will embark on an international tour to play against worldwide opposition.

Durham Cricket’s girls’ team, made up of players from Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria, will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 31 to play in the Gulf Cup.

The team includes four players from the district: Lizzie Scott and Ellie Tiffin of Matfen CC and Katie Chomse and Ciara Boaden of Corbridge CC.

Harriet Robson, formerly of Corbridge CC, is also part of the team which will play in Dubai and Ajman.

Lisa Scott, mother of Lizzie, is helping with fund-raising for the tour.

She said: “The educational benefit of this tour, and taking part in the Gulf Cup, should not be underestimated. From a cricketing perspective players learn to play against quality spin bowling and train in tough heat conditions.

“In years gone by the academy boys team have travelled to play, but this is the first time a girls’ team will be going.”

The weather conditions in UAE over the new year will be a far cry from the freezing temperatures in England, and the team are currently undergoing specific training methods to deal with the conditions.

Lisa added: “A lot of the training has focused on training runs and hill sprints to prepare for the heat. Training has also been focusing specifically on batting against spin bowling on the changing pitches in the East.”

Women’s cricket received a welcome boost recently with the announcement of the new ECB-led cricket format The Hundred, which has seen eight brand new teams created.

“There’s been a huge investment recently in women’s cricket,” Lisa said. “The Hundred provides a huge opportunity for women and girls.

“Cricket has developed to an extent now that there’s opportunities for these girls to become professional cricketers. It’s something for these girls to aspire to.”

The trip is being funded entirely by the team and a JustGiving page has been launched alongside a number of fund-raising events.

A ‘curry and chords’ night at Corbridge Cricket Club will take place on Saturday, November 30 at 7pm and the team will be at Corbridge Late Night Shopping on Monday, December 2 between 4-9pm.

The team will also take part in a 12-mile sponsored walk from South Northumberland Cricket Club, Gosforth, to the Emirates Riverside Stadium,Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, December 14.

Donations to the team can be made at the JustGiving page: mwww.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/durham-dubai-cricket.