England triumphed in the Women’s World Cup recently, with Somerset’s Anya Shrubsole providing the dramatic end to the final by demolishing India’s batting line-up.
There is predicted to be a big upsurge in the number of women and girls who want to play cricket. However, it seems that the focus of the ECB in building the women’s game is on those already at, or close to, the highest level of cricket. How can a small club like Barrow Gurney respond to the challenge of attracting and developing female cricketers?
In this month’s “Poll Of The Month” we ask Barrow’s members and website followers to think about the various ways we might play our part in the future of women’s cricket.
Having already coached and produced two very successful Somerset women cricketers who more than hold their own in, and indeed lead, predominantly male teams, Barrow is a club which welcomes and encourages women cricketers at all levels. The current building work to construct a separate women’s changing room is a physical example of the club’s commitment. Also the Under 13 colts team regularly has 3 girl cricketers as key members of the side.
However, the challenge for a small club is how to progress if there are not sufficient women to form a team, and, even if there were, to deal with the fact that there is little quality women’s cricket around at club level to provide meaningful fixtures.
BGCC’s website looks forward to receiving your views. If you are interested in joining Barrow’s growing band of female cricketers then please contact us via the link on the main menu.
Last month, in our poll, you told us, very strongly, that our mid-summer T20 games should be a much more social occasion and include a barbecue. The recent game against Misfits showed how well-supported such an occasion can be. It is certainly something we will be looking to develop next year.