New women’s league formed

EIGHT clubs from across Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire have agreed to form only the second Women’s Premier Cricket League in the country.

Golden Hill, Frenchay, Dumbleton, Bath, Taunton Deane, Bridgwater, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Devizes will play in a 40-over competition.

It is being established in partnership with the West of England Premier League (WEPL) and will feature the use of pink balls and coloured clothing.

It has been formed as a direct result of the tremendous growth in the number of girls and women playing cricket throughout the region.

League matches and a T20 competition will be played on nine Sundays that do not clash with fixtures being played by Western Storm.

Member counties of the new league will also not stage any under-15 or under-18 fixtures on these Sundays to ensure that the area’s leading female cricketers will be able to take part.

The eight founding members will act as hubs within their counties for outstanding players who may play other forms of cricket for different clubs.