Yorkshire Cricket Board

On Sunday 25th June Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club members were joined on Sunday by 22 teams from across the region, to host to the biggest women and girls cricket festival North Yorkshire has ever seen.

The event took place at the club’s home ground, the Calcutt Oval, with around 200 participants playing a series of short-format softball matches. Softball is a fun, fast-paced version of the game, suitable for all ages and abilities.

Rachel Hildreth, Women and Girls Cricket Development Manager (North & 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 CC U15s, commented "It was so nice to see so many other girls enjoy cricket and be able to get the opportunity to play it."

“Super event, very inclusive for all to play at all abilities. Well organised with coloured pitches. Quicker games meant great pace on the day”

“What a difference a year makes - so amazing to see 10 teams of girls playing cricket on a glorious Sunday morning.The tournament was played with good spirit, sportsmanship and encouragement for all the girls”

KFCC’s chairman David Alloway echoed the praise saying “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. The tournament on Sunday was a fantastic opportunity to welcome girls and women from around North Yorkshire to our club”.

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”.