Ladies prepare for start of new cricket season
LADIES cricket training continued this week, with nine enthusiastic women having fun while getting fit for the new league season which begins on May 1.
The league consists of three teams that play informal, four-a-side soft-ball cricket, with training and matches taking place in Girne’s Pia Bella Stadium between 4.30pm and 6pm every Tuesday.
Lynn Holman, captain of one of the teams, the Girne Girlies, told Cyprus Today: “Most of the girls were either completely new to the game or have played for just one season. It’s not about being a brilliant player, but rather having a run-around as a great way of keeping fit.”
Coach Phil Stanford said: “To help the ladies get the most out of their games, we teach them batting, bowling and fielding. It’s rewarding, because they really try hard to get the idea. Working with Nigel Holman, who coached at Surrey County Cricket Club for 20 years, has helped me break the game down into its basics, which has been fascinating.”
The Creditwest Spring Ladies Cricket League will see Doğanköy Dollies defend their title against the Lapta Lasses and Girne Girlies.
Lapta captain Gina Mapp said she had her eyes firmly fixed on victory, saying: “We are determined that the team will not make the same mistakes as last time and will lift the trophy come July.”
Mrs Holman, however, says she is confident that her Girne side will improve with the addition of Sri Lankan Shirona Pattiyage, the first lady from the sub-continent to play cricket in the TRNC.
New players are very welcome and neither experience nor equipment is needed. For more information call Lynn on 0542 889 3680 or simply come to the five-a-side pitches at the back of the Pia Bella football pitch any Tuesday at 4.30pm.