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    28

    Jun 2023

    Last Updated: 28/06/2023
    Community
    Community

    Knaresborough hosts county's biggest ever female cricket festival

    by John Plummer

    | 28 Jun, 2023
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    3-the-willows-following-a-recent-match-victory-1

    Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club hosted the biggest women and girls cricket festival North Yorkshire has ever seen on Sunday.


    The club was joined by 22 teams at its Calcutt Oval ground.


    About 200 females played a series of short-format softball matches. Softball is a fast-paced version of the game, suitable for all ages and abilities.




    Players pose for the camera.



    Rachel Hildreth, women and girls cricket development manager for north and east Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Cricket Board, said:

    “The day was an incredible success, and I was particularly impressed with how the club showcased their sense of community”.


    Bella Simpson, who plays for Ouseburn Cricket Club under-15s, said:



    "It was so nice to see so many other girls enjoy cricket and be able to get the opportunity to play it."
    “I couldn't be prouder of the whole club and the direction it is going in. We are inclusive and family orientated, which has led to increasing membership of our junior and senior groups."


    Action from Sunday's event.


    The club’s female squad The Willows was founded in 2021 and now has 22 players. They currently play in the Hambleton Women's Soft Ball Cricket League.


    One of the team’s founding players, Hilary O’Callaghan said:



    “The Willows started as a group of mums who watched our kids play. To see how far we've come with hard work, training and lots of laughs is amazing.
    "I would say to any girl or woman who's thinking about stepping onto the pitch, just go for it. You'll learn a new skill, make great friends and be part of a wonderful cricket community."


    The club also has four senior men's teams and several junior teams. More information is available here.