THIS season saw the formation of Burneside CC’s first-ever all-girls' team and only the second one in the county.

The girls play in the Westmorland Junior league and also play in many festivals around Cumbria and Lancashire.

They recently took part in the Inaugural under 13’s Thunder cup hosted at Blackpool CC and organised and run by Lancashire County Cricket Club.

The girls acquitted themselves well against many older and more experienced girls.

Following on from the competition, Lancashire Thunder played Loughborough Lightning in the Kia Women’s Super League.

The game featured many international players and was a fantastic tribute to women’s cricket.

The girls' coach, Ryan Airey, said: “We have had many girls playing cricket at Burneside CC for quite a few years now, but decided the time was right to take the plunge and try and start an all-girl team.

"With the success of the England women’s team winning the world cup, more women and girls are being inspired to play the game.

"We hope to be able to give the girls in the area the opportunity to thrive at the sport. We have a squad of 13 players at the moment, but we’d still like more to come along and give it a go.”

Bob Simpson, Cumbria Cricket Limited manager, said: "It is testament to BCC that they are providing participation opportunities for females. The development of a girls' team is a fantastic opportunity for any girl wanting to play cricket."

The Club also hosted a very successful Women's Soft Ball Festival with over 50 females taking part. The club will provide an exit route for ladies who want to continue playing soft Ball as well as hard ball if they want it.

Any girls interested in joining or just having a go can contact Ryan Airey by emailing him on ryanairey@btinternet.com