First-ever women’s cricket match at Grappenhall

GRAPPENHALL has hosted its first-ever women’s cricket match – 12 months after the players first got together for a training sessions.

The team put on a superb show and did themselves proud in a tight game against Runcorn.
The visitors posted 112 for two wickets, both of which were taken by Bethany Garnett.
Grappenhall finished on 100 for four wickets with Katy Arber top-scoring with 25.
The match was a division five fixture in the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League.
Unlike the top four divisions, division five features “softball” cricket – using a ball that is softer and lighter than a traditional cricket ball.

The idea is that teams start using the softball and apply for promotion to the “hard ball” competition when they feel they are ready
There are 26 teams competition in the “softball” division.
A Grappenhall spokesperson said: It was a promising start for a bright future for Grappers’ new ladies’ team.”
League spokesman Martin Saxon said: “We recognise that many players and teams will be perfectly happy playing softball for the foreseeable future, while others have a definite plan to move into hardball.
“The hardball and softball sections of the league are operated independently of each other so individual players can play for different clubs in each form of the game. This allows individuals to gain experience of hardball even if their own club isn’t ready to take this step yet.”
Pictured: Members of the Grappenhall team.