An Otley teenager has been picked for the second year running to represent Yorkshire at cricket.
Martha Wood, a 15-year-old student at St Mary's Roman Catholic Comprehensive in Menston, is the first-choice wicketkeeper in the under-15 girls' team and has also been selected for the Leeds Schools' under-15 netball squad.
Her club, Pool in Wharfedale CC, is responsible for setting up competitive girls' teams and is a founder member of the Aire Wharfe Community Cricket Development Group.
That group has involved a number of partners, including the West Yorkshire Women and Girls Cricket Association, West Yorkshire Cricket Association, Leeds CC and the St Mary's School Sport Co-ordinator Partner-ship working closely together to share resources.
Partnership Development Manager Richard Chattoe said: "Martha is a shining example to other young girls in the area. She has worked extremely hard and benefited from excellent support from her coaches and club.
"We are all very proud of her efforts, wish her every success for the future and will use her as a role model for other aspiring girl players.
"The success of the Aire Wharfe Cricket Development group has been remarkable and is held up as a model of excellent practice throughout West Yorkshire.
"We now have a co-ordinated group of clubs, schools and coaches all working together to develop girls cricket."
St Mary's Head of PE Martin Green was equally effusive about Martha's achievement. He said: "She has been so determined and focused on all aspects of sport and physical education over the last two years; it comes as no surprise that she has gained selection for the county again.
"Martha is a tremendous example for all girls at St Mary's. She has managed to maintain a healthy balance between her school life and sporting interests at all times."
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