TUNBRIDGE WELLS prodigy Ella Lockhart has rewritten the record books after becoming the youngest ever girl to score a century for Kent.
After battling for 25 overs against a good Surrey attack at Selling, the Kent Under-11 captain pushed the ball into the covers and reached the milestone.
She reached the magical milestone aged 11 years and 198 days, surpassing a record set 15 years ago by Kent and England’s Tammy Beaumont, who scored her maiden century in 2003 aged 12.
Kent coach David Sear, who has managed the Under-11s for 20 years, said: ‘We are all delighted for Ella in finally getting to the three-figure mark.
‘She showed maturity beyond her years with an innings that included some beautifully timed strokes all round the ground.’
He added: ‘I witnessed Tammy scoring her first ton, and look where she has ended up? You cannot compare like for like, but I firmly believe that Ella has the potential to go all the way, and score more hundreds.’
No Kent Under-11 had ever scored a hundred before – Tammy was playing for the Under-13 age group when she recorded hers.
Tammy told Ella: ‘Many congratulations! Scoring a century at such a young age is such a good achievement and I’m glad my record is finally broken.’
‘I’ll be looking out for you in a Kent senior women’s shirt in a few years.’
Ella’s innings helped Kent to a record total of 201 for 2, beating the previous total of 192 set in 2015. Surrey were restricted to 155 for 5 in reply.
To round off a memorable day, Ella also took a stunning slip catch – a rare feat at at Under-11 level, there have only been a handful in the last 20 years.
PICTURE: ONE TO WATCH: Ella Lockhart celebrates her maiden century for Kent
