Kent and England Women’s cricketers support girls only Street20 competition in Kent
Thursday 31st May 2012
Orpington Cricket Club hosted a Girls Only Street20 Competition last week, piloted by Natasha Newman – Kent Cricket Board’s Women & Girls Cricket Development Officer.
The format of the game was tweaked slightly, requiring a teacher to play alongside the girls in the same team. This enabledmore than 80girls and seven teachers from seven Schools between Mid and Metropolitan areas of Kent to take over Orpington CC in the glorious sunshine, whilst England Women’s International Cricketers Lydia Greenway and Laura Marsh offered coaching support and tips throughout the day.Both Lydia and Laura held aquestiona andanswersession over the lunch period for all the girls and teachers.
Southern Water support Kent Cricket Boardand the development of girls grass roots cricket. The partnership means that more young players will be introduced to the game with the aim of finding new talent that can be linked to clubs, promoted to county levels and the national team.
Lydia Greenway started her playing career in the junior teams and recognises the importance of good early coaching; “I started playing young but there is so much more on offer now for girls to take part in Cricket, it is fantastic.”
Leanne Brocklehurst, Head of Girls PE at Sittingbourne Community Collegecommented on the day;“The girls are really enjoying themselves, absolutely fantastic, I’m considering joining a cricket club myself.”
England star Lydia said; “I thought it was a great day and the girls all thoroughly enjoyed the shortened version of the game, it was also brilliant to see the teachers getting involved as well. Hopefully after giving it a go themselves they can have a bit more confidence to deliver cricket in lessons which will only help schools and clubs links throughout the county”
As a prize for winning of the competition, Leigh Technology Academy have beengiven the opportunity to do a Guard of Honour at the International T20 match between England Women and India Women on Tuesday 26thJune at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury.