Sidmouth Cricket Club already stands up amongst the leading lights on the Devon County scene and now there’s a move to offer cricket at Fortfield to a wider audience with the news of the formation of a senior ladies eleven at the club, writes Stephen Birley.

Serene Knowles and Fiona Wratten are the ladies behind the new team with the plan being to coach the lady cricketers at the same time the youth teams are put through their paces at Fortfield each Friday night.

Wratten, and Knowles both played for Kent Ladies and they are now living in the area and are keen to develop ladies cricket in the town. Warren, a left handed bat, has England caps to her name and will be the new team’s manager and head coach.

Knowles says: “We are looking for anyone interested in playing cricket whether experienced or having never played. We will happily cater for all needs. In the first instance it’s about getting numbers together to form a team and then we’ll get some friendlies in place for the coming season. Ideally eight plus is the target figure for matches and, if we find we have a team ready for it, the following year we will hopefully play league cricket.”

Matches will be played on Sundays and, with the coaching session run side by side with the clubs thriving colts section, it a chance for the whole family to get involved at Sidmouth CC!

There’s little doubt that if the drive and passion from new recruits matches that of the two ladies set to run this new initiative then ladies cricket will be thriving at Fortfield in next to no time!

The final word for now with Serena Knowles who says: “The new Women’s team will provide a pathway for the club’s girls. If you are looking to play senior level cricket look no further and if you have no experience and are keen to play the sport then come and join us and we’ll get you playing cricket!

For more information contact Serena Knowles on 07932 976260 or email her at serenaknowles@btinternet.com