Girls showcase their skills on the cricket field
‘Women's and girls' cricket gaining popularity’
The number of girls being selected for the various provincial cricket teams this year is proof that the sport is no longer only for boys.
According to Allan Rudman, the Women’s and Girls’ Cricket Co-ordinator, the numbers within the female cricket game are growing gradually. “Two words can explain women and girls cricket within Gauteng cricket – fruitful growth! Girls are now realising that the sport is no longer only for boys.
Through sheer persistence with negotiations, many schools and clubs are now offering the sport to our female counterparts, also helping to improve the quality of their game. Currently, 40 primary schools and 26 high schools are participating in school leagues and there are also two structured leagues for club cricket, boasting 10 senior and 10 junior teams,” he said.Proof of this is the two U/13 Gauteng girls’ teams that competed in the provincial tournament that took place at Queens High School in Johannesburg.
The tournament spanned over a period of four days and saw girls from all nine provinces participating in both 20/ 20 and 35-over matches.The U/13A Gauteng team won all their matches, while the U/13Bs won three of their six matches, and drew one.Allan added that the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) selects players from Johannesburg, the West Rand and Sedibeng. “Players compete in trials for the U/13, U/16 and U/19 categories.
These players represent GCB infestivals and in 2016 there were three girls from the GCB who were selected to represent South Africa in the U/19A team,” he said proudly.He concluded by urging primary schools to offer girls the opportunity to play cricket, and said, “If any of the schools require assistance, the GCB can be contacted on 011 340 1500.”
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