ARRAN Brindle hit consecutive half centuries for the England team in the Women's Cricket World Cup in South Africa.

The Barnoldswick girl, who went to Skipton Girls' High School, where she was known by her maiden name Thompson, scored 51 against Ireland and 58 not out against India as England looked set to reach the semi-finals.

In England's latest match, on Wednesday, she did not reach the crease as England beat South Africa by eight wickets, scoring 180 for two in reply to 174.

Brindle, who played for Thornton and Rolls Royce before heading to Loughborough University, was the only one to give opener Charlotte Edwards any support as England posted a modest 140 total against India.

The Indian reply had a disastrous start as they were reduced to 35 for 3 in 20 overs before Chopra (64 not out) and Dhar (42 not out) took them to victory with 4.1 overs and seven wickets to spare.

It was England's first defeat in the tournament and their comfortable win over South Africa leaves them favourites to make the semi-finals after the round robin league matches involving eight teams.

Brindle now plays for the Louth men's team in the Lincolnshire Cricket League but also turns out for North Riding and Lancashire Ladies. It is her second World Cup - she was part of the squad which finished fifth in New Zealand in 2000.

In 2002 she set a world record for women's cricket with an opening stand of 200 in a Test match against India.

The women face a gruelling schedule with seven games in 13 days before the top four play off in the semi-finals. England's first match, against favourites Australia, was washed out due to rain, ending in a tie.