New E.C.B. Under-15 Girls National 8 a side competition attracts a strong entry from Somerset

Interest in women's cricket in Somerset is on the increase as a result of several recent initiatives that have been organised by the Somerset Cricket Board.

For the first time ever an E.C.B. Under 15 Girls National 8 a side Indoor Inter Cricket Competition has been arranged that will take place on Wednesday February 12th in the Centre of Excellence at the County Ground.

Since the competition was first advertised in the autumn there has been tremendous interest with eight teams from right across the county taking part.

Somerset Cricket Board Development Officer Andrew Moulding told me: "We are absolutely delighted with the response that we have had to this new competition, which shows that there is a growing interest in women's cricket in the county."

The teams that are entered for the competition are East Bridgwater School, Churchill School in North Somerset, Bedminster Down School from Bristol, St Augustines of Canterbury and Bishop Foxes Schools both from Taunton,Hayesfield School from Bath, Butleigh Kwik Cricketers and Bath Cricket Club.

Mr Moulding added: "This is a very exciting development for girls cricket in the county. The winners of the Somerset competition will progress to the regional finals at the Hampshire Rose Bowl in March, and from there the top teams will travel to Lord's Cricket Ground for the National final in April, so there is a lot to play for."

Meanwhile Peter Robinson has commenced his duties as coach to the Somerset Ladies team that includes the Under 15 and Under 17's teams.

At the County Ground earlier this week the former Somerset all rounder told me: "We have already had two sessions at Taunton in December and between now and the start of the new season there will be three more sessions at the new Writhlington School Cricket Centre."

He continued: "The players are all very enthusiastic and I have been impressed with their ability. There are certainly some very talented players there."