Scores on the board

History was made at the end of March when Lancashire Cricket Board and its Association of Cricket Officials ran their first ever Women and Girls ‘Scorers’ Course.

The course, held at Haydock Cricket Club, was delivered by Karen Knott and David Heap - both very experienced tutors - and was set up as part of the ongoing women and girls' annual development plan in the county. It is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Sixteen delegates attended ranging from young girls aged 12 through to parents from cricket clubs. Feedback from the day was very good and plans have started to arrange a full Level 1 course next winter.

Lancashire CB and its ACO their first ever Women and Girls ‘Scorers’ Course

Rachael and Jayne Kershaw, who attended the course, felt it was extremely useful, to the extent that when they were watching that evening's one-dayer between West Indies and England did their own scoring.

“I would like to do a full scorer's course and build on this knowledge," said Rachael.

Sophie Whittle added: “She understood everything the tutor said and really enjoyed it.”

Paul Bryson, Cricket Development Manager for Merseyside & West Lancashire, said the game needs to develop outside of just playing.

“It has been a very useful exercise," he said. "We know that participation in cricket amongst women and girls is growing, but we must also develop the game in other areas like umpiring and scoring and generally increasing the number of volunteers that take part in cricket.

"As a result of the course being run, 16 more scorers have now been introduced to the sport and we hope to build on this success next winter, but in the meantime it is vital to integrate them into existing clubs."