GRAHAM HARDCASTLE: Former England Women's head coach Paul Shaw is in charge, while being supported by a host of highly respected coaches, headlined by former men’s internationals Stephen Parry and Craig White
Georgie Boyce believes the North West Thunder’s coaching staff could very well be the best in the country.
Contracted batter Boyce has been training throughout the winter under the guidance of former England Women’s head coach Paul Shaw, who is now in the same role at Emirates Old Trafford.
Shaw is being supported by a host of highly respected coaches, headlined by former men’s internationals Stephen Parry and Craig White.
They are helping to guide a young and emerging squad, best exemplified by a quip from Boyce: “At 22, I’m classed as a senior player.
“I’m in the oldies team every time in warm-ups, and I’m not so sure how I feel about that!”
Opener Boyce has been speaking ahead of the Thunder’s Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy clash with Sunrisers at Chester Boughton Hall tomorrow.
It is a game which sees the Thunder aim to bounce back from yesterday’s opening round one-wicket defeat to Western Storm at Bristol when the hosts chased down 292 having been 203 for 7 and 252 for 9.
She said: “You’d struggle to find a better support staff anywhere in the country. The coaches we’ve got here are outstanding. Shawsy, as head coach, has been England coach and there are ex-professionals there, some who have only just come out of their playing careers.
“They’ve been absolutely outstanding, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Former Lancashire trophy winning spinner Parry has already been praised by Thunder captain Alex Hartley for helping her regain a love for cricket after a difficult few years.
Boyce says her own game has clearly benefitted from the expertise around the squad.
“To have consistent training week in and week out over the winter with the cricket staff, and the sports science and medicine staff, has been brilliant,” she said.
“I’m coming into this season the best prepared I’ve ever been. That’s because I’m a professional. I’ve not been able to say that before.
“I’ve been able to invest all of my time into my cricket. Hopefully that will set me up for a successful season.”
Western Storm chased 292 to beat Thunder despite often being behind in the game
Nottingham-born Boyce was run out for 11 at Bristol on Saturday in a game which brought about so many positives for an emerging Thunder side who are aiming to put some disappointing seasons even going back to the days of Lancashire Thunder in the Kia Super League.
Boyce said: “It’s not easy losing games of cricket because you play to win. And that’s what we’re striving for. But we’re also aiming to be better cricketers.
“We just want to take each step as it comes. If we can take the good work we’ve done in the winter into the summer, then winning will take care of itself.”
As Thunder do build, as a contracted player Boyce will play a key role in setting the standard for others to follow. But she added: “I guess there is extra responsibility on me, but I’m loving it.”
The Thunder play a Sunrisers side beaten by 135 runs on Saturday against South East Stars at Chelmsford, with them failing to chase down 325.
They will have England players Fran Wilson and Mady Villiers available.
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