Women’s Cricket plays a huge part in the Middlesex recreational cricket calendar, with clubs developing their female sections year-on-year. We spoke to Actonians CC, based in Ealing, who are playing against North London in this Sunday’s final of the Esme Irwin Cup.
The Esme Irwin Cup is the recreational Women’s League in Middlesex and is named after one of the pioneers of women's cricket in the county, representing both Middlesex and England. A T20 format precedes a 40 over League, with promotion to the Women's Cricket Southern League the end of season prize on offer.
How has the Esme Irwin League benefited Actonians CC?
For Actonians Ladies, the key benefit of the League has been the respect that has generated from within the club, creating role models for the young girls to aspire to when they start on the player pathway. Actonians Ladies have grown over the past 10 years, and success in a competition attracts new players. They also play in the Derick Morgan League, with teams led by a couple of experienced players mixed in with new and returning adults. Whatever your ability and standard of cricket, there are matches to suit your level and aspirations at Actonians.
What else happens at Actonians CC?
The women’s section plays a full part in the club, from scoring in the Men’s 1st XI and umpiring the Men’s 2nd XI, to playing in the club’s 3rd, 4th and 5th XIs, as well as being active on the club committee. There is a wonderful mix of ages, with Under 13s and 58 year olds bowling in tandem! Whatever your age, ability, background, ethnicity, you are welcome and will fit in with the club.
What next?
If your club is interested in developing a Women’s and/or Girls section, contact Sharon Eyers for more information. You can follow the Esme Irwin League, as well as the Derick Morgan League, throughout the season on the Middlesex Participation Twitter feed and via their dedicated competition website.
We would like to thank the team at Actonians CC for their contribution, and their excellent work with their Women and Girls’ sections! You can find more information about the club on their website.
