Derbyshire U15 Girl`s v Yorkshire U15 Girl`s
Rolleston-on-Dove was the venue for Derbyshire U15 girl`s v Yorkshire U15 girl`s on Tuesday 12th July. Although there was light rain in the air, the match was able to start on time with Yorkshire batting first. The visitors were 84/1 at the drinks interval after 20 overs, playing positively with bat on ball and looking for singles in all areas of the ground. Molly Dythan and Lucy Yates were bowling well to try and reduce the strike rate of the Yorkshire top order. After 32 overs, the Yorkshire girls were on 161/3 with their opener being caught out in the deep just short of 100 whilst trying to hit the ball for a maximum over the rope.
The clouds opened up and the umpires were forced to pause play and the decision for the players to have an early tea was agreed. After tea, Derbyshire bowled well and Yorkshire were looking to score quickly with their 8 overs remaining. The visitors finished their overs, posting a score of 216.
After a 10 minute interval, it was Derbyshire`s turn to work the ball into areas of the ground against a strong Yorkshire bowling attack. Unfortunately their plan of quick singles and not giving any wickets away was interrupted in the first over as the Derbyshire opener was bowled by Yorkshire`s opening off-spinner. A tight bowling line from Yorkshire made it hard for the Derbyshire batters to find bat on ball, which increased their run rate. A few big shots and quick runs from Derbyshire`s middle order made the run chase look possible but after another couple of wickets lost, this became a harder task to complete.
After consistent bowling from Yorkshire, Derbyshire were bowled out for 121, with the visitors from across the border ensuring that their unbeaten streak and reputation was not interrupted.
Although Derbyshire were defeated, the girls are feeling positive about some aspects of the game and the positives that they can bring from performing well against a strong Yorkshire side, as well as the great opportunities that lie ahead of them.
The opportunity for girls cricket is growing and this is something that Derbyshire Cricket Board are working hard to execute with the Women`s World Cup being held at the 3aaa County Ground next year.
Lucy Yates, Derbyshire U15 Girls captain and Senior player says- “Enjoy every opportunity, every day the sport is increasing with more people taking part and knowing about it, take all of the opportunities that are available to take part in girl`s cricket.”
Rachel Hopkins, Women`s Team Vice Captain and Cricket Development Coach- “The Women and Girl`s game is massive, the generation are looking to push on and it`s a great time for the sport. I am trying to influence the girl`s to get involved through school activities and the DCB programmes.”
The support that the DCB are receiving from the girls is fantastic and with Derbyshire being a host city for the Women`s World Cup 2017 there are many exciting opportunities ahead. The girl`s programmes that are available is a great opportunity to have a taste of cricket and to get involved in such a great sport that is growing each day. For more details of the DCB events for women and girl`s cricket, contact Richard Wood at Richard.wood@dcbcricket.com or Conor Percy at conor.percy@derbyshireccc.com
