Threlkeld Cricket Club fielded its first women’s and girls’ team in a competitive six-a-side tournament in Carlisle.
This is a new side and most players had never bowled or picked up a bat before attending some winter training sessions.
The team’s first opponents were Stainton CC and the squad utilised all they had gained from their five winter training sessions to give their opponents a good run for their money, with Anna Broadbent getting a wicket.
Next up was a well established Lanercost CC side who failed to phase the Threlkeld Foxes who went on to claim victory. Kerry Webster chalked up a caught and bowled while Katie Hewitson took a catch.
In their third match, Threlkeld came up against a strong Cockermouth side and suffered their second defeat of the tournament. But it only strengthened Threlkeld’s determination, with Harriet Semple scoring her first ever four after only coming to two training sessions and having never played before.
Kerry Webster got her second catch of the tournament, displaying safe hands. The final match was against Egremont, with Threlkeld losing the toss and batting first.
By request, 10-year-old Eloise Webster opened the batting and scored three runs off her first ball.
Sian Newman chipped in by getting some quick singles herself. Alison Crozier was in next and despite skying her first shot she scored three runs and was not caught out.
The bowling was strong and fielding tight, backed up by some good work behind the stumps from each player and there were encouraging signs that the team was beginning to gel.
Anna Broadbent took a third catch for Threlkeld but despite their best efforts Threlkeld lost by a narrow margin.
Player coach Katie Hewitson said: “I couldn’t be more proud of the women and girls who represented us today. They gave 100 per cent effort and demonstrated a fantastic attitude throughout.
“We’ve had amazing enthusiasm and strong numbers at our winter training sessions and I’m excited for the summer ahead where we’ll be playing in a series of friendlies and maybe a tournament or two.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can follow the team on the Threlkeld Foxes Ladies’ group on Facebook.
