It has been a breakthrough year for girls’ cricket in Cumbria with a successful first season of an innovative new league.
The Fibrus 100 League began in the summer with four teams playing competitively at either under-13 or under-16 level.
With sponsorship from Full Fibre broadband firm Fibrus, the league was based on The Hundred, which is a 100-ball cricket competition, with the teams representing different regions of the county: Eden Eagles, Southern Power, Central Sixers, and Western Boom.
At U13 level Eden Eagles topped the table over Central Sixers and Southern Power, while in the older U16 category, the Boom saw off the Sixers and Eagles.
Graeme Dodds, female pathway lead at Cumbria Cricket, said it had been an important first season with much promise for the future.
“2023 was a breakthrough year for women and girls’ cricket in the area with the introduction of the Fibrus 100 league.
“With the sponsorship provided by Fibrus, it allowed us to be bigger and better than we ever thought.
“A big part is the social aspect of being involved in a team sport. It enables them to build friendships and social circles, building confidence and overall wellbeing.
“It gets them out of the house and away from their computers and smartphones and gives them the opportunity to be with their friends.
“Some aspire to play cricket at a higher level and The Fibrus 100 became a great starting point for girls getting involved with hardball cricket.”
Libby Bateman, external stakeholder manager for Fibrus, said: “I attended the launch of the league and I have seen a few of the games during the season. We have invested in local sport across Cumbria at many levels this year, and it has been lovely to see these young ladies enjoying their cricket.
“We’re proud to see the growth of girls’ cricket in Cumbria through this new league. Not only is it giving more girls the chance to get involved, but it is helping to connect the Cumbrian communities that we know are so passionate about their sport.”
Even though his team didn’t win, Bertie Medhurst, of Southern Power, said it had been hugely enjoyable for the girls to take part, and the role of Fibrus had been fundamental to getting the league underway.
“From coaching the girls, I know they enjoyed every minute of each game they had, all of them as a team and individually improving,” he said.
“Without the support from Fibrus, the Southern Power girls would not have had the opportunity to develop their skills and enhance their experiences of playing cricket.”
Clubs came together to help form the teams, with Eden Eagles drawing players from Edenhall, Penrith and Appleby and Southern Power involving players from Barrow and Ulverston. Central Sixers drew players from Netherfield, Milnthorpe, Sedgwick, Kendal, Arnside and Carnforth, and Western Boom had players from West Cumbria.
