Duncan Elder
Sunday, September 1st 2013 was an historic day for Templepatrick and CIYMS cricket clubs as the clubs fielded women’s teams for the first time.
The Templepatrick ladies XI took on a CIYMS ladies XI at The Cloughan, Ballyclare in what was a first competitive game for both teams.
CIYMS batted first, knocking up a very useful total of 109 for four in their 20 overs.
There was some great bowling from Sophie McDowell, Nick Keating, Karen Brady and Beth McCrea, which helped restrict the visitors’ total.
In reply, Templepatrick looked good for the win thanks to some big hitting from Nick Keating and Julie Greer in the middle order, but their innings closed on a total of 81 for 5, giving CIYMS the win by 28 runs.
TCC Cricket Development Officer, Andy McCrea commented: “Despite the fact that most of the girls hadn’t played cricket before the standard was very good and the game was extremely competitive. It was played in a great spirit and everyone seemed to really enjoy the day.”
He added: “Starting a women’s team is something we have been working on for some time, so it was great to finally realise that ambition and hopefully this is just the start of something bigger that will see more girls and women getting into cricket.”
“I’d like to thank CIYMS CC for coming to Ballyclare and giving us a game, and all theTemplepatrick players for their efforts. There was a good crowd at The Cloughan watching the game and hopefully this will spark a wider interest in women’s cricket locally and we can build on the success of this first match and offer more women’s cricket next season.”
For more information about Templepatrick Cricket Club log on to www.templepatrickcc.co.uk or follow @TpatrickCC on Twitter.