Lympsham cricketer Sophie Luff debuts for England Women Under 19s (From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News)

Lympsham cricketer Sophie Luff debuts for England Women Under 19s

12:25pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Sport Latest By Daniel Milligan

CRICKETER Sophie Luff impressed on debut for the England Women Under 19s in their two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan at the weekend.

Luff, 18, was caught on the boundary in the first match for 10 as England fell to a 33 run defeat but she came back strong to see the team to victory in the second match at Loughborough on Saturday.

The Lympsham teenager hit an unbeaten 23 to steer the team over the winning line by hitting the penultimate ball of the match for four to spark the celebrations.

Speaking after the match, she told the Weekly News: “It was really good and I was proud to be representing my country.

“Even though I was disappointed with the first game, I was pleased with my personal performance overall and it was nice to help the team win the second game.

“Normally I get really nervous before I go into bat but I didn't feel too bad this time.”

Luff plays her club cricket for Bath and represents Somerset Women in the First Division of the County Championship. The youngster is hoping to take part in the England Women's Development Programme again this winter while juggling her university studies at Cardiff Metropolitan where she will start her sport and PE degree.