Our girls had their weekly training session on Saturday morning from 9am to 10am, led by our fantastic team of coaches and helpers, headed by Sarah. We now have 8 female qualified coaches at our club who provide our girls with everything they need to develop their game. They're supported by some passionate helpers.

St Chad's Broomfield U13s (U11s!) v Old Leodiensians U13s

On Sunday morning, the girls were back at the ground for a game in the West Yorkshire Women & Girls' Cricket League. Although we play in the U13s division, many of our team are still U11s, but we saw a courageous effort from our young team, who battled with heart and promise against their more experienced counterparts. To finish their innings with a positive score after only losing 6 wickets in 16 overs was an outstanding effort.

Keira chipped in with 10 runs, captain Emily demonstrated calm leadership by scoring 13, Kate added a vital 2 runs and Elizabeth emerged as a bright spark with an innings of 21. When it was our turn to bowl, both Emily and Elizabeth took a wicket apiece, and the team fielded very well.

Despite the winning margin, what truly stood out was how well our girls handled the occasion. The fact that a team of young, less experienced cricketers could battle alongside seasoned opponents and manage to extract keen competitive insights from every run and wicket is a victory in its own right. Each moment on the field, each boundary fought for, every disciplined over bowled, cements their learning curve and sets the stage for improved performances in future fixtures.

St Chad's Broomfield Women's 1st XI v Bradford Park Avenue Women's 1st XI

On Sunday afternoon, we witnessed a pulsating encounter, edging past the 2024 League Champions, in a match that delivered on every front.

Batting first, Bradford Park Avenue posted a total of 131 all out in 27 overs. Early progress was steady, with the side reaching 50 runs in 11 overs. However, the innings took a dramatic turn at 19.6 overs when Maggie (3-31) produced a sensational hat-trick. This breakthrough proved instrumental in restricting the visitors from building further momentum. BPA reached 100 runs in 22 overs before the collapse set in due to disciplined bowling from us. Key individual bowling performances included Lauren’s 4-18 in 5 overs and Steph’s 3-21 in 6 overs.

Chasing a modest target, our reply was all about composure and accelerated scoring. The innings began with an aggressive start with 50 runs piled on in just over 8 overs as the batters set a firm foundation. The momentum was further bolstered by a vital second wicket stand; in a 51-ball partnership, Sophie chipped in 27 runs (off 30 balls) alongside Steph’s quickfire 16 (from 21 balls).

As the chase progressed, Sophie emerged as the star with the bat. Continuing her fine form, she reached 50 runs in 58 balls, including 8 fours. A subsequent, brisk 3rd-wicket partnership with Rachael, who contributed 18 from 23 balls, ensured that the target was well within reach. Ultimately, we wrapped up our innings at 132-2 in 21.5 overs, comfortably attaining the required runs with an air of controlled aggression.

The victory was thoroughly deserved. This win not only reflects our solid form in the league but also sends a statement ahead of the future fixtures.

Thanks to JP Wild Ltd, who has kindly agreed to sponsor the women's shirts from this season.

Stephen James, Business Development Manager at JP Wild Ltd, said, "We are extremely proud to sponsor St Chad’s Broomfield Cricket Club’s women's team's shirts and the team took to the field in style with their brand new shirts. We wish the teams all the best for the rest of the season".

Leeds Beckett University Women v University of York Women

On Monday afternoon, we hosted LBUWCC who use our ground as their base for both games and training sessions. Charlotte, Emily, Lauren and Maeve were playing for LBUWCC.

Although University of York Women won the toss and opted to field, their decision proved costly as Leeds Beckett University Women delivered a spectacular performance that left little room for contest, mainly thanks to the contribution from those players who also play for our club.

LBUWCC’s innings was a showcase of resilience and flair. After a couple of early setbacks, the side found its heartbeat when the upper order took charge. The innings was punctuated by a stunning unbeaten maiden century from Emily (also of Chads). Her composure at the crease set the tone for the innings and allowed the team to construct a formidable total. Joining her was Lauren (also of Chads), who remained not out on 65, anchoring the chase for additional runs. Collectively, they put on a magnificent unbeaten 203 run stand taking the team from 5 for 4, to a total of 208 for 4 in 30 overs.

Faced with a daunting target, UoYWCC could not find their footing. Their batting collapsed to a paltry 62 all out in just 20 overs, unable to meet the challenge posed by a LBUWCC side firing on all cylinders, who now go into their varsity game on Friday with confidence.

This Sunday will be the first time that our Women's 1st XI, Women's 2nd XI and Girls' XI have all played on the same day, so it's time to recharge the batteries, and go again!

We are obviously open to recruiting even more women and girls, so now you've decided to join us (or if you have any questions), please contact us on 07950 757273 or at play@stchadscc.com.