As part of Women’s Big Cricket Month, we will be shining the spotlight on some of the inspirational female players, coaches, managers and officials who do great work across Warwickshire. First up is Sally Stuchfield, manager of Dorridge CC girls’ section.
HOW DID YOU GET FIRST INVOLVED IN GIRLS’ CRICKET?
It was through my eldest daughter Lucy, initially. She was at her friend Rachel’s house for a BBQ in the summer of 2017 and the girls played cricket in the garden all afternoon. Rachel’s mum rang me a few days later to say Dorridge CC were starting a girls’ section and would Lucy like to come along.
WHAT WERE THOSE EARLY DAYS LIKE?
We put the word out locally and started at the club the following week with just a handful of girls, all eager to play but with no experience. It soon became clear that not one of the parents knew anything about cricket either! We played our first softball tournament after just two training sessions and had to borrow, beg and steal some kit for the girls. The girls loved every minute of it though and soon formed great friendships. We learnt early on to lose with dignity!
HOW DID GIRLS CRICKET DEVELOP AT DORRIDGE AFTER THAT FIRST SEASON?
The team grew over the first season, so when we went into 2018 we had enough players to play a full game. We had mixed ages and stuck with softball. The girls got some Dorridge club playing kit and started to invest in hardball kit. Siblings began to join, plus a few other local girls. We developed a reputation of being a very friendly, inclusive team. When we started winning some softball games, the girls confidence grew. One thing the girls have said throughout is that they love cricket, they love been with their friends and having fun, so we were guided by them. We gave them all the opportunity to play in games, putting the girls into the league in 2019, but keeping it fun and giving all the girls a chance to play.
HOW WERE YOU ALL AFFECTED BY THE COVID LOCKDOWNS?
We normally train every Friday night, as well as using the nets whenever possible, so during lockdown we adapted and had some fun times on Zoom using the ideas from the ECB. The toilet roll challenge went down very well; I think one young lady managed to get into the 20s! We were so lucky that the nets reopened in June 2020 – the girls could not be kept away, then we were able to have small group training sessions which everyone loved. The older girls helped the younger girls, giving them tips and passing on what they have learnt in training.
HOW ARE YOU PLACED FOR THE FUTURE?
This year we have two teams: an under 13s and under 15s. We won our first match of the season this year, so spirits are high! We are still a small team so we usually have one or two under 13s playing up in the U15s matches. We accept all the help we can. Ben, who was at the BBQ where it all began, is now training to be a coach and has been amazing helping with encouraging the girls, net sessions and umpiring. The main thing about Dorridge CC girls is they love cricket; they are team players and they are kind and considerate. This will stand them all in good stead for their lives ahead.
HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE YOUR JOURNEY OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS?
As a parent I would have never in a million years thought I would have two girls playing and passionate about cricket. I feel blessed that I’ve been able to be a part of their journey. Team sport is so important for girls physical and mental health giving them equality in what has traditionally been seen as a male dominated sport.