SHAW Cricket Club has played its part in the success of the second biggest Soft Ball cricket festival in the country.
Shaw was the 12th and last host of the the series dubbed ‘Prosecco Cricket’ which saw more than 500 women compete in this new, fast and fun version of traditional cricket.
Julie Durrant, women’s Soft Ball Festival Coordinator for the Lancashire Cricket Board, said: “I am delighted with the success of the programme in its inaugural year.
“Twelve outstanding festivals were delivered, all unique, but all run with a lot of enthusiasm giving over 500 women an opportunity to take part in a fun and friendly environment.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all 12 clubs for supporting our programme this year and to all the volunteers and helpers that have made it happen.
“My final thanks go to all the women that took part and in particular for their willingness to have a go.”
Shaw spokesman Craig Thompson added: “It was great to see so many women turn up and take part.
“We wanted to ensure we had a real festival atmosphere and the women participating felt relaxed, not judged and could learn new skills in an inclusive family atmosphere. We definitely achieved this!
“Teams were encouraged to make up names, which included: Jalapeno Hotties, Flower Fluff Girls and Vivacious Voluptuous and Oh So Venomous Vixens to name just a few.
“We can now use this event as a great base to develop women’s cricket at the club going forward.”
Soft Ball cricket is a new, fun, fast social game for women of all abilities.
The equipment used for soft ball cricket has been specially designed with women in mind and features a soft ball plus light weight bats and brightly coloured wickets and stumps.
Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festivals are aimed at women aged 18 years+ who have not played cricket before or who have limited cricketing ability.
Games are 6-a-side with under arm bowling allowed, no dress code.
Plans are now in place to put together the 2018 Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Festival Programme.
Any other local club wanting to host a festival, an organisation wanting to try something different or an individual who would like to be kept updated with information about future festivals contact Julie Durrant at jdurrant@lccc.co.uk or 07507 057692.