By Phoebe C (U6)
The Cricket Department at Sherborne Girls continues to grow, with more and more girls joining each year, whether to play ‘softball’ with their friends for fun during the summer term, or to play competitive ‘hardball’ for the School teams. Training is now being offered throughout the year; winter net sessions focus on skill development and preparation for the summer when we build on our teamwork.
Girls from L4 to U6 continue to develop their skills and there’s a growing number of opportunities to demonstrate these skills during matches. We are now playing regularly against other schools, including Kings Bruton, Bryanston and Claysmore as well as the eagerly anticipated ‘overseas match’ against Ryde School with Upper Chine on the Isle of Wight.
On a personal note, I was thrilled to be chosen as the Joint Cricket Captain due to my ‘enthusiasm, dedication and contribution to the department’. I have played Cricket since it was introduced at SG and delight in watching it grow over the last four years. I especially love helping others to improve their skills after school and watching the enjoyment and passion for the sport evolve.
As Joint Cricket Captain for this year, part of my responsibility is to help lead the team on the field and in training. Pre-season was the first time Emma, and I were able to help lead the team ahead of a busy season. Most importantly we focussed on encouraging the new players in their training, making sure they felt comfortable working with the older girls, learning from them and training against them. This was equally important for the older girls as the 1st XI has welcomed many new players, making it even more important for us to be working well as a team.
In addition to our A level study, Emma and I have completed ECB coaching qualifications which has opened the opportunity to assist with the coaching at Sherborne Cricket Club on a Wednesday evening. During the hour session, we assist the coaches with teaching the 50 U8, U9 and U11 players key skills and technique, including the best ways to catch a ball and collecting the ball on the move. Not only has this helped us to encourage girls in cricket, but it has also helped us to become more competent players, as we have been forced to return to the basics and focus on breaking skills down, improving them as we go.
As I write this, I am preparing for my final season at SG, which is set to be full of exciting matches and opportunities. I hope that the cricket department continues to grow after I have left and that it becomes one of the major sports offered. Additionally, I hope that the girls are encouraged to aim high and that the school sees more girls being asked to play at county level or higher – something which is more than achievable.
