BRADSHAW cricketer Daisy Mullan produced a match-winning display for Lancashire Girls Under-13s just seven weeks after breaking her ankle.

The Turton School pupil spent five weeks in plaster after being hit by a car.

But she defied the odds to be fit for Lancashire's second match of the season, a fortnight after having her cast removed.

And while Daisy was unable to bowl, the 13-year-old all-rounder certainly made an impact with the bat, top scoring with an unbeaten 49 off 48 balls as Lancashire won by 53 runs.

Dad Chris said: "When the plaster was removed, Daisy's consultant said it was feasible for her to be playing cricket again within three or four weeks.

"But Daisy was determined to get back for the Staffordshire game and did as many physiotherapy sessions as possible to give herself a chance.

"Though initially still using crutches, she exercised and cycled whenever she could and got herself to a point where I was comfortable advising her Lancs' coach, Dave Hudson, that, if needed, she would be able to bat against Staffordshire."

Lancashire were 79-5 when Daisy was sent in to bat.

She started alongside Egerton all-rounder Anna Phillips, who was out for 21, before being joined by Zara Matthews.

The pair put on an unbroken stand of 96 runs for the seventh wicket, with Zara adding 36, as Lancashire finished their 35 overs on 183-6.

Daisy's innings, which included seven fours and a six, proved crucial as Staffordshire finished on 129-8.

"Dave sent in Daisy with a remit to 'hit a few boundaries'," said Chris.

"Thanks must go to Zara for the way she checked on Daisy between overs and how careful she was in determining when it was safe to run a single or the very occasional two runs as it became clear Daisy's ankle was beginning to bother her."