Madeline Welham saw off competition from 40 contenders to be crowned the ultimate all-rounder at the 2023 Finals Day for The 1, the leading cricket competition for girls aged 11-18.
Welham claimed the title following a competitive day of action, inolving a series of batting, bowling and fielding tests.
This year’s event was hosted at the historic Trent Bridge and delivered in partnership with The Blaze, the home of elite women’s cricket in the East Midlands.
Created by England legend Lydia Greenway, The 1 has established itself as the leading competition developed specifically to create pathways for girls in cricket.
In becoming ‘The 1 2023’, Madeline has earnt a pro-player contract from Kookaburra, an ambassador contract from PAYNTR, and several prizes from partners including ICENI and Lacuna Sports.
“It was a lot of pressure, especially doing the bowling last, but it was amazing," she said.
“It was so much fun, with so many different activities and so many different things you can do to show how good you are at cricket!”
Founder of the competition, Lydia Greenway, said: “Madeline was phenomenal. For me it is about delivering all of the skills consistently and under pressure and she was able to do that.
"She was able to churn out the challenges on a consistent basis and at a good level as well. To me, that says a lot about the mental side of the game and how mentally tough she was.”
The 1 2023 gave the girls an insight into where a professional career in cricket could take them, as well as being a new pathway to showcase the hidden talent within the female game.
Official Clothing Partner, Lacuna Sports, provided each participant with a custom-made The 1 kit specifically tailored and designed for the female body. Cricket District, the Official Media Partners of the competition, provided the platform to showcase the girls’ talent, but also exposed them to being interviewed by the media.
You can register your interest for The 1 2024 by visiting https://girlssports.club/pages/the-1-2024
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