Clubs merge as formidable outfit

Three local clubs have joined forces to continue to drive forward women and girls cricket.

Last year, Porthill Park and Woore came together to pool their resources to provide opportunities at both junior and senior level.

Porthill Park have been one of the drivers of the women and girls game - alongside Meakins, who have now linked up with the duo.

The expansion will see the network named as the Northern Stars to create a pathway for local players.

At present, three womens teams will play in the Cheshire and West Midlands Womens League, while under-19, under-15, under-13 and softball cricket will also be available.

Porthill Park’s junior cricket lead, Matt Cope, said: “In recent years, there has been significant growth and an increase in opportunities within the women’s and girls’ game across the county at club level.

“The individual and team performances, awards and successes have been impressive, with the most recent being Porthill and Woore becoming ECB National Champions at under-13s and under-15s, alongside Meakins’ women taking the top spot in their Premier League.

“These kind of achievements have really put women and girls cricket in Staffordshire on the map, as being a real front runner in the game and long may that continue.

“I’m really pleased to be involved in the Northern Stars partnership, where players will benefit from working alongside an experienced coaching team and supported to become the best they can be.

“We are pleased to be able to combine our resources and offer a complete women and girls cricket pathway, delivered in a structured, supportive and positive environment, putting the players first and politics aside.”

Meakins chairman James Menzies added: “I’m looking forward to continually growing the womens and girls game in Staffordshire.

“This partnership puts the players first and removes the barriers for women and girls to progress to the highest level they can with a pathway managed by an experienced team in the game.”

Staffordshire Cricket’s club and community development manager

Jenny Moore says the new partnership will help to keep the county at the forefront of the women and girls game.