AxmINSter CC Ladies now have two UKCC Level 2 Coaches in their midst with Emily Broad and Sue Brown leading the way and running training sessions through the winter at the Axe Valley Sports Hall.

These continue on Sunday evenings, 5.30-7pm, until the end of March and then on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer at Cloakham. The club are keen to continue the development of girls and ladies cricket at Cloakham and expect to see an under- 15 girls’ team at Cloakham Lawn in the near future. The ladies have set themselves a high standard to maintain but, with last seasons successful captain Emily Broad continuing and the experienced Katy Jones as vice-captain, the expectations are for another enjoyable season.

Women’s cricket in axminster is thriving.

It was the spring of 2006 that the ladies section at Axminster Tcc finally began to take shape. On a couple of previous occasions the idea had been suggested but apart from their involvement in the odd fancy dress game, the ladies were perhaps, not taken too seriously! However with the development of the junior section at cloakham several mums felt that they could and indeed, should, be given the opportunity to play! With their enthusiasm and some encouragement to daughters, nieces, friends etc. A team was formed. They were given strong support from the club and obtained the services of coach Maurice Beviss. Maurice spent two years coaching and encouraging them through those formative seasons. Les Haynes, the club fixture secretary was able to find some friendly fixtures during the 2007 season and word soon spread that they were a group with serious intention!

The initial team was joined by some talented young ladies from both somerset and dorset and in 2008 competed in the Devon women’s league 2nd division. No doubt to many peoples surprise, perhaps themselves included, they were good enough to win the league and gain promotion. The team finished a credible 3rd in their first season in the premier division but proved worthy champions in 2010 winning the league by a margin of 50 points!

Axminster tcc have always been keen to encourage coaches to be developed from within the club and initially it was Dan Murnane and Ryan Walker who took over coaching duties from Beviss and recently Chris Brown and David Gadsden have watched over their progress

? Never played before? Come along and enjoy a free session or two.

The club will provide newcomers with plenty of encouragement and make it a lot of fun! The club would welcome anyone interested in joining, women (and men), of any age and ability! Further information can be obtained from ladies’ secretary Julie Gordon (01460) 30860 or captain Emily Broad (01308) 420935.