The annual Women’s Cricket Week at Colwall, in the shadow of the Malvern Hills attracts many standards of players from all over the UK – and a sprinkling from overseas as well! Cricket Week also gives novices a chance to learn from more experienced players, and try a bit of everything the game has to offer.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Cricket Week is for adult women of all abilities to develop their skills in a pleasant, relaxed and friendly (but competitive!) atmosphere, playing hard ball cricket. All players must be over the age of 18. No-one under the age of 18 will be able to use the camping facilities at Colwall CC during the week.
All players are asked to sign an application form, which does include a disclaimer – the Cricket Week committee cannot be held responsible for any personal injury, or damage to, or loss of, personal property during Cricket Week. The week is run by volunteers, and therefore insurance and child welfare stipulations mean that an age limit must be in place.
Emphasis on enjoyment and the Spirit of Cricket – so what’s the standard like?
Players of all standards will have the chance to bat, bowl and keep wicket in four to six teams. But while the cricket is of a generally good standard, the emphasis is on enjoyment with the teams comprising a mixture of newcomers to the game and experienced club and county players.
Players are encouraged to develop their skills, hit their first boundary, score their first half-century or century, bowl their first delivery or take their first wicket in the matches which take place at the two pitches at Colwall Cricket Club. Teams are allocated based on the applications forms. The Sunday is usually an introductory day as a lot of players will have league matches and arrive late Sunday or Monday morning. The team matches start in earnest on the Monday.
Matches
Players will experience different types of cricket matches, including declaration games, limited overs matches, and a highly-competitive knockout 15/15 competition with a trophy for the winning team. A select XI also play against a visiting team after the day’s play on the Wednesday. Spectators can enjoy the match with a beer and a burger from the BBQ provided by Colwall Cricket Club members (for a small fee per item).
Coaching
While there are no formal coaching sessions arranged during the week, all players are encouraged to improve their skills. For those who want advice on their bowling or batting techniques, there is never a shortage of willing, and extremely able players (including qualified coaches) prepared to take time out to coach others – and this week is the ideal time to put into practice what has been learned. It’s not unknown for an impromptu net session to happen before play starts, or during a rain break while waiting for the grounds to dry!
Cricket Week 