NCI Batwoman checking the field for chocolate on Parkers Piece. Photo courtesy Fen Photos. Thanx Sue. www.fenphotos.co.ukTotally Focused on the Chocolat!
Cambridge NCI Ladies' cricket team have come a long way in just one year. They started as a friendly team in 2007 and ended 2008 as runners up in the regional ladies’ competitive league.
NCI is a cricket club with a long established history for the men’s game so in 2007 the ladies began with five friendly matches winning only one. In 2008 they entered the Two Counties League Ladies Challenge playing against six teams from Suffolk and despite many cancellations due to weather the ladies played a total of 27 fixtures including friendlies. A combination of dedicated winter training and top level coaching from Paula Knibbs, an ECB level 3 coach, took the girls and women of NCI to a new level. They started the season in determined style with an 84 run win over Woodbridge Ladies and finished the season second in the table, close on the heels of Ipswich, losing to them in the final match by only 9 runs. The game’s format is being extended from 30 overs to 35 for 2008 giving NCI a great opportunity to turn the tables on Ipswich. The team was sponsored by Hotel Chocolat who generously provided cash and chocolate.
NCI is a cricket club with a long established history for the men’s game so in 2007 the ladies began with five friendly matches winning only one. In 2008 they entered the Two Counties League Ladies Challenge playing against six teams from Suffolk and despite many cancellations due to weather the ladies played a total of 27 fixtures including friendlies. A combination of dedicated winter training and top level coaching from Paula Knibbs, an ECB level 3 coach, took the girls and women of NCI to a new level. They started the season in determined style with an 84 run win over Woodbridge Ladies and finished the season second in the table, close on the heels of Ipswich, losing to them in the final match by only 9 runs. The game’s format is being extended from 30 overs to 35 for 2008 giving NCI a great opportunity to turn the tables on Ipswich. The team was sponsored by Hotel Chocolat who generously provided cash and chocolate.
“A £25 Hotel Chocolat voucher was a brilliant incentive for the Woman of the Match,” says coach Paula. “You can’t say these women aren’t competitive – especially when there’s chocolate at stake!!”
With their home ground on Parkers Piece, the team had some prime advertising space and many new players arrived to try their hand. Over 30 women and girls participated in league games last season with even more playing in friendly games. The intensive coaching has successfully converted rugby players, footballers, hockey players, javelin throwers, martial artists and tri-athletes into competent cricketers.
“Anyone with a good eye for a ball can easily pick up basic cricketing skills. It’s amazing how naturally athletes from other sports can play,” said Paula Knibbs, the 2008 Ladies Captain. “We would really encourage women and girls to come along and try it. What else would you rather be doing on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon? It’s a very sociable game; we keep fit, get a good tan and work up an appetite for a fantastic homemade tea.”
The ladies are already in training with coaching sessions at Fenners Cricketing Hall, Gresham Road on Thursday evenings 7-9pm. New players are welcome to join in for a free taster session and subsequent sessions cost £4. If you are interested just turn up, no equipment needed or call Mary Munley on 0794 1322 746 for more details.
Big thanks to Hotel Chocolat for their generous support financially and chocolatey. http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/
