A talented Sandbach schoolgirl is set to become the new face of female cricket after joining pioneering sportswear brand, Maiden Cricket, as its latest ambassador.

Fifteen-year-old Lilly-May Rogers, a student at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, has joined Maiden Cricket to help promote girls' participation in cricket and grow the game for future generations.

Maiden Cricket was launched by teenage sisters Honor and Cat Black in 2024. Fed up with wearing uncomfortable and ill-fitting cricket gear made solely for boys, the girls set out to design stylish, comfortable and functional clothing specifically for female cricketers. 

Female players from across the country were encouraged to apply to become a Maiden Ambassador with the company receiving hundreds of applications.

The programme supports female players aged 8+ who are passionate about promoting inclusivity and growing girls' cricket in schools, universities and clubs.

Lilly-May began playing after a coach spotted her practising on the sidelines while her brother was on the field.

Impressed by her natural talent, she was encouraged to join a local team. Her sporting highlights so far have included making her men's senior debut in 2024 and ranking third on the county leader board in her second game with bowling figures of 3-5.

Lilly-May Rogers said: "Cricket has given me so much confidence and I want to help more girls discover what an amazing game it is.

"It's a team sport and I always feel part of a family, whether I'm playing for my local club or the county. If I can convince just one girl to pick up a bat and ball and give it a go, I'll be happy.

"I'm proud to be an ambassador for Maiden Cricket and help to promote the sport I love. I really want to push the barriers down for women and girls in sport and help it reach the same level as the men's game.

"Maiden are really paving the way for this, so to have the opportunity to help make a difference and inspire other girls is incredibly exciting."  

Cat Black, co-founder at Maiden Cricket, added: "At Maiden, we're all about championing girls' cricket by highlighting what a fantastic sport it is for building confidence and team spirit.

"We've already built a great community to help share our mission and it's awesome to have Lilly-May join the crew. There's no doubt she's going to crush it as a Maiden ambassador."

Sandbach is no stranger to talented female cricketers - Sports Coaching Group's Tilly Kesteven was selected to represent an England Development team in a match against a West Indies XI side.

Tilly also plays for Porthill Cricket Club in the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire League and played at Sandbach Cricket Club in both junior and senior cricket.

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