First ladies cricket games begin

Women’s Cricket is a rapidly growing sport throughout Ireland and the creation of a Women’s League in the Northern Cricket Union is a testament to this. Nigel Jones, Cricket Ireland’s Regional Development Officer in the NCU has been instrumental in the creation of the League.

Talking about the forthcoming league competition Nigel Jones said, “Through my increased role with Cricket Ireland it has allowed me to focus more time and energy into the women’s game. This is a major part of our Strategic Plan and I’m really excited about contributing to the activation and support of the 2013 competition here in the NCU. The competition format has been designed to encourage rather than over-burden, with this concept coming about through feedback from participating clubs. The aim is to avoid a ‘one shoe fits all approach’ that would potentially restrict rather than encourage the women’s game at this stage of its development within the NCU.”

The first games in the Women’s League will take place at The Green, home of North Down CC, on Sunday with Lurgan scheduled to play two matches back to back.

Lurgan coach Callum Grieve commented: “We started our senior girls section a couple of years ago but it has proved quite difficult to get games for the team so we are really excited about the opportunity to participate in the first ever league for women in this area. Our players are really enthusiastic about the game and their skill level has developed really quickly. Seven of the team are currently in the Under-17 Regional Development Squad” Lurgan Cricket Club have groups to cater for girls of all ages. The Junior Girls group (P2 to P7) meets on Tuesday evenings from 6.30 to 8pm at Pollock Park while the senior team (Year 8 and above) train on Wednesday evenings from 6.30 to 8pm. New members would be made to feel most welcome. For more information contact Graeme Hunter on 07763910565.