WINTERTON CRICKET CLUB witnessed an historic event on Sunday afternoon as their newly formed ladies' team played their first ever game in the Norfolk Women's Cricket League.

WINTERTON CRICKET CLUB witnessed an historic event on Sunday afternoon as their newly formed ladies' team played their first ever game in the Norfolk Women's Cricket League.

On a damp and blustery day, some much needed warmth was provided by the team as they entertained Lowestoft CC at the Hambrook Oval in an excellent advert for the game.

The Winterton ladies' team proudly wore their new cricket shirts and represented the club in a sporting and impressive manner.

The game attracted a number of supporters and local residents from the village.

In its first season, the team has attracted a wide range of players from local villages and has been supported hugely by the club. The sport's popularity has obviously been helped by the national team's success and with links to Flegg High School, the team has provided an opportunity to ladies and girls in the area to compete and develop as cricketers.

Club chairman Geoff Roper said: “It's really important that the ladies have the opportunity to try out new sports and are catered for. We have been really impressed by the level of interest and commitment shown by the ladies and in the short time that the team has been up and running, the improvement in their batting and bowling has been remarkable.”

Clare Utting, who has set up the team added: “We are trying to gain momentum by attracting players who want to enjoy their cricket, but also want to improve with the help of the club's qualified coaches. The interest we have had is not surprising due to the lack of clubs for women in this area.”

On winning the toss, the Lowestoft captain invited Winterton to make first use of an excellent strip, prepared by groundsman Trevor Jones. This provided the opportunity for Winterton's powerful opening pair of Southern and Roper to race to 28 runs in three overs before the latter was bowled for an impressive debut 10.

This brought Parsons to the crease and with the guidance of Southern, the pair put on 65 runs in quick time. On 55 Southern retired, having played a cultured innings including 10 boundaries, one of which was a huge six over square leg.

Parsons also continued to her half-century, retiring on 52. The innings was completed with runs added by King (4) before she was bowled and Duthie (24 not out) and McWilliam (3 not out), who saw Winterton to an impressive total of 180 for two in their 20 overs. The pick of the Lowestoft bowlers were Newby (1 for 24) and Larter (1 for 14), who bowled the most consistent lines.

In reply, Lowestoft got off to a steady start, with the bowling of King and Utting keeping the run rate well below the required rate. The breakthrough came in the second over when Utting forced Oldman to glove a shot for wicket keeper Harrison to collect Winterton's first wicket.

Utting finished on two wickets for eight runs from four overs and King nought for 11 runs from three overs, followed by another tight over from first-change bowler, Wildey. Further wickets fell, with Roper taking three (two in two balls) and a run out on the final ball, resulting in Lowestoft being bowled out for 86, to give Winterton Ladies an inspiring 94-run victory.

Player of the match was Kate Parsonss. Special mention must go to Janet Southern for a hugely important innings of 55 not out and for her excellent captaincy and field settings. The fielding display from Winterton was excellent, with all catching chances taken and a run out.

The next game is away to Norwich CC on Sunday at 11am. Training is held on a Wednesday evening, from 6 to 8pm, at Winterton playing field, with fixtures played either in the evenings midweek, or on Sundays.

Anyone interested in playing should contact Clare Utting on 01493 369198 or Geoff Roper on 01493 393883.