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The ladies of Town Malling Cricket Club held their first softball festival on Saturday.

The club’s Kent coach-ofthe-year, Anna Tunnicliff, organised the event and more than 60 women and girls took part.

There were three teams from the hosts – the Pens, the Swans and the Bevys – and they were joined by sides from Bexley, Beckenham, Farningham and Sittingbourne.

Helen Fagg, Kent Cricket Club’s community cricket officer for women and girls, said: “Town Malling Cricket Club are becoming a real hub of female cricket for ladies and girls. The work of Anna Tunnicliff is well known but should continue to be applauded.

“It’s fantastic to see such a great turnout in the sun. It bodes well looking ahead to the development of a softball league in Kent.”

The 48 games played throughout the day were umpired and scored by Tonbridge and Malling young leaders and volunteers.

Tunnicliff said: “It’s fantastic that so many signed up. For those who enjoy playing regularly it’s a rare opportunity within ladies’ cricket but even more encouraging is the number of ladies and girls who came and gave it a go and had fun.”

Town Malling welcome any ladies or girls wishing to try cricket. Training for ladies is Wednesdays 6.30pm and girls are on Fridays.

The club we will be starting a women’s hard ball team next season.

For more details, email atunnicliff@live.co.uk.