Women’s Cricket at La Manga Club
Easter week on the cricket pitches saw the arrival of the Irish Under 19 Ladies Squad and Berkshire Ladies Cricket Club which included members of the ECB England Academy and current England cricketer Heather Knight who has recently represented England in the Ladies World Cup in Sri Lanka.
Berkshire sit in a league above Ireland, whose young squad were here to gain experience playing higher ranked opposition and both teams were grateful to be able to enjoy some sunshine and outside cricket!
After catching early flights on the Sunday, and arriving to light drizzle, both teams brushed off the cobwebs with some intensive training routines and fielding drills.
There followed 4 days of cricket in which 2 x 50 over games and 3 x T20 matches were played, giving all of the girls valuable pre season practice before their season starts in just a few weeks time.
Berkshire triumphed as expected in all of the games but Irelands performances improved with every game against their more experienced opponents.
Highlight for Ireland, undoubtedly Lucy O’Reilly, taking 2 wickets in her first 3 balls in an Ireland shirt, at the age of 13!
For Berkshire, Alex Rogers 82 not out in the final T20 was the stand out performance with the bat.
The week was a triumph for both sides and plans are already underway for a ladies tournament here pre season in 2014.
Andy House
La Manga Cricket Club
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