We were unable to offer much in the way of women’s and girls’ cricket last year and I know that many of you decided to take a complete break from playing. We have therefore worked very hard over the winter drawing up plans to tempt you back in 2021. We’ve got softball and hardball, leagues and tournaments, for all ages and all experience. We’ll be sending out a separate email for our younger girls. Below is what we have planned for ages 11 upwards.
COMPETITIONS:
Womens Slam.
Short and sweet, fast but not too furious. Matches will be played midweek evenings or sometimes on Sundays and should take just over 2 hours. We are in the easier (plate) competition and should therefore meet teams of similar ability, geographically relatively close and many of whom also took a break in 2020. There will be opportunity for our experienced players to challenge themselves but equally a chance for the less experienced to find their feet in the hardball game.
Women’s Softball League.
No pads, no helmets, no fuss, no judgement (not that there is judgement in any of our cricket!). All teams will be beginner or intermediate and the focus is entirely on making the game accessible and enjoyable. It’s a great way to learn and to improve whilst discovering the sheer joy of playing cricket.
Softball Tournaments.
These are ‘have a go’ sessions. Very short games, mini wickets, small pitches. This is a brilliant place to try playing for the first time. Just turn up and play. All equipment provided.
Women’s Sunday League:
A slightly more serious form of the game but still played in the right spirit. We have again paired up with St James Montefiore to play in these Sunday afternoon matches. 70 overs of cricket (35 each team). This is a chance to develop your tactical play; to practice those defensive shots; to ‘manage’ those field positions. The standard might be slightly higher than for the Slam but every member of the team will be given a chance to play their part.
TRAINING.
Nets/Hardball/Team practice
Mondays 19:00-20:30 (light permitting).
Run by professional coach Alan Smith.
Focus on batting and bowling but with some fielding drills.
Bowling machine.
Open to all players from U11 provided they are confident facing hardball.
Outfield Training/Softball
Fridays 19:15-20:30.
Fielding drills and games.
Mini softball matches.
Good for beginners but also for those with some experience looking to improve their fielding and to practice batting and bowling without the fuss of helmets and pads.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Women’s membership entitles you to come to the Friday sessions, the Monday sessions or both and to participate in any (or all) of the matches.
Junior membership entitles girls aged U13*-U16 to join these Monday sessions and to play in any or all of the women’s matches. We anticipate that our more experienced girls will continue to train with their age group teams on Fridays but we sincerely hope that they also chose to join the rest of the women’s team for Monday night practice.
Student membership entitles women and girls to train and play with both the women’s and men’s teams.
*Eligibility
Girls aged U13 upwards (school year 8) can play women’s cricket
Girls aged U12(school year 7) can only play women’s cricket if they are on the Sussex (or other county) girls' pathway and have the permission of their county coach.
Girls aged U11 (school year 6) are welcome at Monday training by invitation if they are confident with hardball cricket.
For softball matches, girls should also be Y6 or above but some exceptions can occasionally be made.
TRY BEFORE YOU BUY
We will be running free taster sessions for women and girls to have a go before making any financial commitment. More details to follow.
MASTER CLASSES Over the Easter period, our club coach Alan Smith will be offering batting and bowling masterclasses for our women & girls. This could be a chance for our more experienced players to dust off those cobwebs before the start of the season. More details to follow.