TEENAGE cricketer Ruth Leese made a triumphant comeback from long-term injury as she helped Lancashire Under-17s girls win the national title.

The Bolton ace missed virtually the first half of last season due to back and wrist injuries and illness which sidelined her for almost nine months.

But she made up for lost time in style when she finally recovered.

After just one week's training she was called up for Lancashire women's second team for a Roses clash with Yorkshire at Wetherby.

And she made a stunning return to the side as she took five wickets at a cost of just 26 runs including a hat-trick.

The highlight of her season came in the national under-17s final against Staffordshire at Uppingham Town Cricket Club in Rutland.

Batting first, Lancashire – who are coached by Westhoughton Cricket Club coach Neil Redford – were struggling to mount a competitive score and the Adlington player added an important 10 not out at the end.

She also made a brief but telling contribute with the ball, conceding just two runs from her one and only over with Staffordshire needing 12 runs from the remaining 18 balls.

She plays for Adlington's second team in the Bolton League and suffered the injury which began her long period on the sidelines in their last game of the 2017 season when she damaged her back bowling.

Her best bowling figures for them were 4-28 in a game against Lostock, while she has also taken 1-14 off eight overs for Lancashire Under-17s against Cheshire and 4-7 off two overs in T20, also against Cheshire.