The first women and girl’s soft ball cricket festival took place at Crosby CC last Saturday.

Two teams made up of 19 players participated in two matches in the afternoon, with a tea break in between.

Lots of boundaries, wickets and catches were taken in amongst the laughter. Everyone got to bat for up to 18 balls per pair and the scores were added up at the end.

Each player bowled at least one over - underarm or overarm - and at the end everyone received a free Cric Start bat and ball set and hoodie or t-shirt.

The festivals are all about celebration and getting together to have a go, have fun and enjoy the game. The softer ball means no pads and gloves, the colourful bats are perfect for smashing boundaries with.

It’s open to any female player - you can form your own team of eight players or sign up individually and be allocated to one in advance.

One of the participants, Ruth Ward, was full of praise for the festival: ’I have watched my sons and husband play cricket for many years but was a complete novice when it came to playing.

’The festival was a perfect environment and opportunity to give it a go. It was a really fun atmosphere with friendly and supportive women and girls, with Sally having her work cut out keeping us on track!

’The sun came out, we were treated to a lovely cricket tea and, much to my surprise I even managed a catch! I would encourage people to come along and join in - you will certainly be made to feel very welcome and I’m sure you’ll have a really enjoyable afternoon.’

The remaining festivals festivals are: June 22 - Peel and St John’s (Mullen-e-Cloie); June 29 - Cronkbourne (Tromode Road); July 6 - Finch Hill (Ballafletcher); July 13 - Ramsey (Ramsey Grammar School); August 3 - Castletown (King William’s College); August 31 - Crosby; September 8 - Peel and St John’s; and September 14 - Castletown.