Cumbria Cricket's new 'Fibrus 100 League', created to give girls an opportunity to play for the first time, got underway on Sunday. 

The league consists of five founding teams - Central Sixers, Eden Eagles, Sedbergh School, Southern Power and Western Broom - all of which are played at both Under 13 and Under 16 level.

In a 100-ball format, the first two matches finished:

Central Sixers 123/3 v Southern Power 63/6 

Sedbergh School 97/3 v Eden Eagles 83/5

 

The Mail:

 

Daisy Drage, 11, a pupil at Sir John Barrow school who plays for the Southern Power Team, said: "It feels amazing to be part of a proper competition playing against a full team of girls. 

"I just love playing cricket and can't wait for more games to come."

 

The Mail:

 

Her mum Andi Drage believes the move will be a big step forward for girls' cricket.

"I am a teacher in Millom where they don't have anywhere near the same opportunities as there are in Ulverston and Furness," she said. It is a terrific place for girls to get involved." 

Rapid growth and investment in women's cricket fueled by the success of the national team, a professional English league and increasing coverage by major broadcasters are the contributing factors to the foundation.

 

The Mail:

 

Owain Oxenham, director 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 if playing this amazing game."

Fibrus Broadband, who demonstrated their support for Cumbria last month by investing £30,000 into grassroots boys and girls clubs in the local area, are the Title Sponsors of the Fibrus 100 League.

And theit plans don't stop there. They will also sponsor a women's softball cricket league - where fixtures will take place throughout the summer.

Catriona Henry, sponsorship lead at Fibrus said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Cumbria Cricket for the inaugral Fibrus 100 League.

"The creation of this new league is a huge step forward for girls' cricket, and a big step for Fibrus in our commitment to support communities in Cumbria.

"While we continue our network rollout in Cumbria, we recognise that sport and local clubs are at the heart of the towns and villages we operate in."