CCWCC Ladies Women’s Tournament, Reading Cricket Club, 27th Sept 2020
An historic occasion: CCWCC women’s team (now officially known as the Coyotes), entered a 6 a side tournament at Reading Cricket Club, only 9 days after the first ever women’s taster session.
The ladies were up against Sonning, West Ilsley and Wargrave- all of whom had played a considerable amount more cricket than the 3 sessions the Coyotes had experienced.
The team performed brilliantly- a tough start against a very experienced Sonning team, was followed up with two very close encounters with West Ilsley and Wargrave which we were edged out by a handful of runs in each.
The spirit of the team was amazing – a real sense of enjoyment, camaraderie, and the feeling that this is just a start for Women’s cricket at St Sebs.
Some highlights:
Sarah Collins’ glorious cover drive in the last game- shot of the day by any player on any team !
Helena Jones wicket keeping- zero byes in 3 matches and a tidy catch to dismiss a Wargrave batter
Nik Mansfield - stepped up at the last minute to replace the unfortunately injured Gill O’Loughlin and delivered with bat and ball, including a lovely caught and bowled (need to look less surprised next time Nik!)
Anita Applin- a natural opening bowler. Lovely smooth action and one of the fastest bowlers on show.
Arch Nair- what a player- classical batting technique (definitely not learnt from this coach) and now the proud of owner of the First Lady Wicket Taker for Crowthorne. Followed by another 3 balls later.
Gillian Finucane - had the tough task of being captain of a brand-new team. (and in doing so became the 4th Finucane to take charge of a Crowthorne side this season).
With her arms laden with handwritten tattoos of batting and bowling orders, she led the team from the front with an inspired effort in the field and some fierce hitting with the bat. The ‘Yes’ she called to her partner as she smacked the last ball of the innings for 4 against Sonning was scary!
I’m struggling to think of an afternoon’s cricket I’ve enjoyed more for a long time, despite being stood at square leg umpire, scoring in a stiff northerly wind.
The ladies did the club proud and I will look forward to the next one – let’s keep the momentum going for women’s cricket at the club.
Matt Jones (Coach and Umpire)