Manage your account
…
RANKIN’S Cricket Club will make history tonight as their women’s side play their first ever fixture.
The Stambridge based club opted to set up their first female side in more than 100 years.
And coach Bill Sillett is already proud of his players’ efforts.
“What I love about the squad is that we have women from all walks of life and all backgrounds joining in together and supporting each other,” said Sillett.
“They’re becoming a true part of the Rankin’s family and they’re a joy to coach.”
Rankin’s take on Hadleigh & Thundersley’s women’s side tonight.
And Beth Harris – one of the club’s founding players – is looking forward to taking to the field.
“It’s just great fun and a bit of history in the making too,” said Harris.
“We’re learning our cricketing skills in a really friendly, supportive group at a beautiful ground.”
Rankin’s female side have already organised six games for the remainder of the season, with many of the team playing for the first time – including Angela Wilson.
“Rankin’s usually run nets at the club on a Friday evening so a lot of the team are mums of youth players,” said Wilson.
“We’re a real mixed bag though and most of us have never played.
“When you consider that by the age of 14 girls are dropping out of sport at two times the rate of boys, it’s amazing to see everyone coming together as a team, learning a new skill and enjoying themselves.
“I look forward to my Friday evenings with the girls playing cricket.
“Beth and Shakira came up with the idea and it’s been brilliant.”
