We’d recommend rounders to anyone!

When Lisa Martin started wielding a rounders bat in her late 30s, it was something of a cathartic experience.

“I’d been through a relationship break-up,” she explains, “and I was looking for new things to do.

“I discovered a social group called SPICE, and through them I tried loads of different things, from meals out to skydiving and even fire-eating.”

When the group decided to try rounders, Lisa was keen.

“I’d loved rounders at school,” she explains. “And although there’s an element of competition to the game, I knew it was within my capabilities, even though I wasn’t as fit as I’d used to be!”

As the group evolved they were asked to join a local league, and with no one to take charge, Lisa stepped up to the plate.

“I took over running the team, then a couple of years later, I was asked to co-ordinate the local league, where I met Clare.”

Clare, who also rediscovered the game 20 years after she’d last played at school, also enjoys the buzz that rounders can bring.

“As well as having a round robin system where we play different teams, we also try to run two tournaments a year,” she says. “It’s a real fun, family experience.”

Despite being part of a league, the women involved – whose ages range from 20 to 60 – don’t take the game too seriously.

“We don’t train during the winter, just rock up in April and play more or less once a week until July,” says Clare.

“I love the fact that rounders is so inclusive,” adds Lisa. “You haven’t got to be on top of the game to enjoy it, and you don’t need any special kit. If there’s a group of you and you have four jumpers and something to hit the ball with, you’ve got a rounders pitch!”

“I’d recommend it to anyone,” Clare agrees. “Just come along and enjoy!” Lisa Martin (51) and Clare Godfrey (54)