Rankin’s Cricket Club made history this week as its newly formed women’s team, the Rivermaidens, prepared to take to the field for the very first time.

The landmark moment marks over a century since our Stambridge-based club last fielded a female side and reflects Rankin’s commitment to widening participation, strengthening its community roots and creating new opportunities for women and girls in the area.

Coach Bill Sillett, who has helped shape and guide the squad from its earliest sessions, praised the enthusiasm and team spirit shown by the players.

“What I love about the squad is that we have women from all walks of life and all backgrounds joining in together and supporting each other,” he said.

“They’re becoming a true part of the Rankin’s family and they’re a joy to coach.”

The team’s debut fixture sees Rankin’s take on Hadleigh and Thundersley’s women’s side - the first of a number of matches arranged for the rest of the summer.

Founding player Beth Harris said the atmosphere within the squad has been key to attracting women who may never have played cricket before.

“It’s just great fun and a bit of history in the making too,” said Harris.

“We’re learning our cricketing skills in a really friendly, supportive group at a beautiful ground.”

Many of the women making their debut season are completely new to the sport, including Angela Wilson, who said:

“Rankin’s usually run nets on a Friday evening so a lot of the team are mums of youth players,

“We’re a real mixed bag and most of us have never played.

"When you consider that by the age of 14 girls are dropping out of sport at twice the rate of boys, it’s amazing to see everyone coming together as a team, learning a new skill and enjoying themselves.

"I look forward to my Friday evenings with the girls playing cricket!"

With six fixtures already lined up for the remainder of the season and growing interest from women of all ages, Rankin’s hopes the new team will help inspire the next generation of female cricketers - and strengthen the club’s legacy for years to come.

Rankin’s welcomes women and girls of all ages and abilities - whether you are curious, completely new to the game or already established - to come along, get involved and discover cricket in a friendly, supportive environment.

Anyone interested in joining or finding out more can contact the club via the website or social media channels.