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Welsh Fire women aim to inspire next generation

Hayley Matthews of Welsh Fire celebrates with teammates following their Hundred match at Southern BraveGetty Images

Hayley Matthews has been one of Welsh Fire's star performers in recent years

Welsh Fire bosses are hoping the side's success in The Hundred can help inspire the next generation of young girls to become professional cricketers.

The women's team topped the group in this year's competition and will face London Spirit in Sunday's final at Lords.

Aimee Rees, who is Glamorgan head of women and girls cricket and Welsh Fire assistant coach, hopes the success can flow down to the grassroots and the next generation of female cricketers.

"We have lots of international experience who have played in lots of tournaments around the world and that's the type of thing you can't accelerate," said Rees.

"The next generation have real role models now.

"That is massive because they can see it, so they can believe they can be it.

"Every time we come to Sophia Gardens I see so many young girls who are in the pathway watching, waiting for the autographs and pictures.

"The Hundred has contributed to the rise of women's and girls' cricket massively, probably more than anything else.

"We had the 2017 World Cup which England won when we saw a huge boost in numbers, but The Hundred is having the same affect.

"I have been coaching girls and they have been asking me what is Shabnim Ismail like or what does Jess Jonassen have for breakfast?

"This is what you have with young boys when they say, 'what is it like to play for Manchester United">