CRICKET will have a little extra fizz this summer thanks to a new venture to bring more women into the game.

Prosecco Cricket evenings will take place throughout the county over the coming months, introducing ladies to the sport by offering a softball, social and fun format.

The first event takes place at Lindal Moor Cricket Club’s Pennington Lane home on Friday, hosted by Cumbria Cricket Limited and South Lakes Maidens – the area’s girls and women’s team. A further six evenings will follow across Cumbria.

Lancashire Thunder’s Laura Marshall – the Cumbria Cricket women and girls development officer – is heading up the venture.

She said: “Prosecco Cricket is designed for women who have little or no experience of cricket.

“Our mission is to get more women involved in the game and to bring together the social side of cricket and engage the community in their local club.”

The format for the games played on the evenings will be six-a-side, using a softball, with each innings lasting just 10 minutes.

Bowling can be overarm or underarm and no pads or helmets are needed. All equipment will be provided.

Tickets cost £5 and included in the entry price will be a glass of Prosecco (or non-alcoholic alternative), a T-shirt and a raffle ticket. Prizes will include bottles of Prosecco and tickets to Women’s Super League fixtures.

The evening begins at 6pm and also includes a barbeque and live music from The Chevrons.

For more information contact Laura Marshall via email to laura.marshall@cumbriacricket.co.uk or Colin Knight at colknight@btinternet.com or on 07508 870653.