Kathryn Doherty, a former England Academy and Yorkshire cricketer, had her first match experience in the Emirates in a men's game representing the Abu Dhabi Gentlemen's Club in a friendly at the Emirates Palace.
A teacher at Al Yasmina School in Abu Dhabi, she returned with figures of one for 12 from five overs with her medium pacers to help win the game for her side.
Doherty, 27, has played cricket since she was nine. She made her Yorkshire Women’s debut at 13 and her England Academy debut the following year. She represented Yorkshire Women in Division One of the County Championship up until relocating to Abu Dhabi 12 months ago.
How was your experience of playing in a men’s team?
This was my first competitive game in 18 months. It was a really enjoyable experience and all at Abu Dhabi Gentleman’s Cricket club made me feel very welcome.
How did you get into cricket? Are you from a sporting family?
I come from quite a sporty family with both my dad and brother playing cricket regularly throughout my childhood. I spent many a Saturday and Sunday afternoon at the local cricket club, and being a sporty child all I wanted to do was join in. So it went from there at nine years old.
What was your best moment in the game?
I have had many great moments in cricket throughout my career and find it hard to name just one. Gaining my county cap at the age of 13 was a great moment; making my highest score of 142 not out for Loughborough Women’s UCCE; winning the European Cup for England on three occasions and registering my best international figures of five for 25 against Ireland Women.
Al Yasmina School, where you teach, have reached the semi-finals in the Abu Dhabi School League. Have you played a role in terms of coaching and preparing them?
The Under 14 boys have had a great season so far and have really started to develop as cricketers and as a team.
They worked very hard during Term 1, training every week and competing in the National Cricket League which has put them in a great position going into the Abu Dhabi School League.
Paul Stanley has worked hard with the boys in the nets along with myself and Shaun Dean and we have thoroughly enjoyed watching them perform on the field. We look forward to seeing how they can perform in the semi-final.
Who is your biggest cricketing hero?
Growing up as a child my role model was Andrew Flintoff. Being an all-rounder myself I inspired to be as good as him. I really enjoyed watching him in the 2005 Ashes series while I was on study leave for my GCSE exams.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
