What is Cricket Week?

OK, so we appreciate it all sounds a little bit daunting - we've all been to a first Cricket Week once, some longer ago than others admittedly, but still...Cricket Week literally is a week of cricket! Women from all over the world meet up for one week at Colwall Cricket Club near Malvern, and play cricket.

We play different kinds of cricket throughout the week and have a few non-cricketing events to provide evening entertainment. Teams are arranged to balance experience and skills, and to enable players to learn from each other throughout the week. Umpiring and scoring are generally done by the players, although other sympathetic individuals help out. You will have the opportunity to umpire and score. If umpiring and scoring are new to you then a more experienced player will help out.

The cricket begins on the Sunday, a gentle introduction and a chance to get to know your team-mates. Sometimes captains will set challenges, or play games whilst fielding, and someone will generally be assigned as Fines master, to raise a little money to pay for the drinks on the last night. But don't worry, fines are good humoured and won't cost a fortune!

Usually throughout the week there will be a quiz night, a hockey match if sufficient number of people want to play, a banquet at the local Thai restaurant, and especially for 2010, a memorial match between a Cricket Week X1 and "Audrey's Babes" in honour of the late, great Audrey Collins OBE.

The last night is when all the teams come together for the awarding of the 15Fifteen Cup, Best Batsman, Bowler and Fielder trophies and the Con Holden trophy for most improved youngster. There's also the team songs....but don't be put off, no-one sings alone!

Can anyone go?

All ladies are welcome! We have players of all age ranges, cricketing abilities, and backgrounds come and join us for cricket week. The only restriction is that Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Partners and parents are also welcome, but generally only the girls get to play!

Why should I go?

Cricket Week is about cricket development...and FUN! Cricket Week gives you the opportunity to improve all areas of your game. Throughout the day there are sessions at the nets, run by experienced coaches (who are also players), to help you improve your batting, bowling and wicket-keeping techniques. Then you have all week to try out your newly acquired skills! And if you really don't fancy coming on your own, bring a team!

Most of all Cricket Week is fun! It is a holiday! It is in a beautiful part of the world, with the Malvern Hills as a backdrop, a fantastic atmosphere, and is a brilliant way of meeting new people. The matches include 'declaration games' (governed by time rather than number of overs), 40 over games, and the very popular Fifteen15 competition. Play usually starts at 10.30am and continues until 5.30pm, with lunch at about 1pm and tea at about 4pm. Rolls and drinks (soft and alcoholic) are available from the clubhouse at reasonable prices. Batting orders are rotated from day to day, and bowlers are too, ensuring that lightning-fast county bowlers do not bowl at first-game novices. It keeps everything more evenly matched that way.

Where do I stay?

If you are a keen camper, there is a cricket week camping community by the clubhouse on the bottom pitch, which doubles as the toilet/shower/kitchen block. This costs around £5-£10 per night per person. Alternatively, there are plenty of houses or cottages to rent during the week around Colwall, in addition to local B&Bs.

Some sources of accommodation in and around Colwall:(Not endorsed by Cricket Week committee, just found on the internet)
Google search results for "Colwall accomodation"
Malvern Hills District Council Accomodation Guide
a1 Tourism Malvern hotels

How much does it cost?

The only charge is your initial application cost which goes toward your insurance, and rent of the cricket pitches we use, it is usually around £35 for the week. After that it is up to you how much money you spend.

How do I apply?

You can download the Application form here. Hope to see you there!

And next year?

Basically, we want you to come along, whether it's your first Cricket Week or your 45th (Helena!). We realise that Cricket Week takes up a week of your hard-earned and valuable holiday, so if you can't justify a full week off work then why not come for 2 or 3 days? Just write a note on your Application form of which days you can attend, and the committee will make sure there's a team for you to be part of!

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