A NEW women’s softball cricket league has launched, giving teams the chance to compete against each other with the support of Fibrus broadband.

Cumbria Cricket formed the league after women’s teams from across the county said they wanted to play more competitively.

Matches took place at Ulverston Cricket Club on Sunday with teams from Barrow, Ulverston, Kendal, Lindal, Dalton and Carnforth all taking part.

Kathleen O’Connor plays for Barrow women’s team and believes the inclusivity and camaraderie of the sport is a big part of its appeal.

“We’re obviously competitive but it’s a good fun sport and we always have a laugh, and it’s a really inclusive sport where people can join in at any skill level and work their way up.

“We get a lot out of it – friendship, a bit of fitness, being in the outdoors – what’s not to like?”

Teams from across the league are seeing more interest from women wanting to try the sport out for themselves.

33-year-old Laura Croskery grew up around Barrow Cricket Club with her dad playing there, and now she’s captain of the Barrow team. She credits increased press coverage of women’s sport with the boost in numbers of signups

“With the women’s Ashes, the Lionesses football team, and seeing it all more on the TV, that’s made it more appetising to people,” she explained. “We’ve definitely been able to recruit more off the back of the coverage.”

The teams come from clubs who are part of the Cumbria County Cricket women’s and girls hubs where bespoke support is given to develop the women’s game, and many have been running non-competitive softball matches for some time.

 

Owain Oxenham, board member of Cumbria Cricket: said: “We want to encourage women and girls of all ages and abilities, from all backgrounds and across our county to gain all the physical and mental benefits of playing this amazing game.

“There’s a real momentum at the moment with women’s cricket and having this league will give the ladies the chance to play competitively and enjoy themselves.

“The support we’ve received from Fibrus is helping to make that a reality.”