At Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club on Friday 5 June, the first-ever #ItsOKToTalkT20 women and girls’ fixture brings together talented players and an important message about mental health.
Adrianna Darlow will lead the Blue Team against the Purple Team in a match with representation from a host of South Yorkshire clubs. I caught up with her to discuss the game.
The Derbyshire Falcons Women’s skipper got a message off her old South Yorkshire coach, Andrew Payling, asking if she’d play. With county cricket commitments, plus occasional appearances for Sessay Emeralds and Barnsley Woolley Miners, Adrianna’s summer is packed – but this game is important too.
Adrianna’s connection that led to her involvement began a couple of years back when there was a charity event at her mum’s dance school for the charity linked with the men’s T20, begun by Warren Bird of Darfield Cricket Club.
Initially, Warren did some bat stickers promoting mental health awareness and that evolved into a popular annual match that encourages conversation and welcomes fundraising for Project 14 and Samaritans of Barnsley.
Danny Morton, who helps Warren organise the charity T20s, emphasised to me how important the notion of ‘cricket family’ is for those struggling and how attitudes have changed:
“I think especially as men, with how old school cricket used to be, and obviously moving forward, it’s got a lot more progressive and inclusive. Being able to openly talk to your mates about things, it has become a lot easier.”
It can feel daunting to open up but friendships with cricket give that opportunity, as well as charity T20s like these to amplify the message.
Beyond the awareness and any fundraising, can these matches actively help those having a tough time? Danny reckons he is approached at the games to talk about their mental health or just say thanks via socials.
Events like these need traction and their effect builds the longer they happen. The Men’s T20 is now a regular part of the cricket community’s summer. The hope, no doubt, is that a similar, quietly powerful momentum can do good in the women’s game too.
While #ItsOKToTalkT20 began as a way to encourage more men to talk about their mental health, I’m curious if Adrianna sees similarities in women’s cricket?
“It probably is more open with females but I think in a professional environment, you still get cricketers who don’t want to really accept that they’re struggling.”
This new charity T20 is indicative of the breadth of women’s cricket matches that go beyond the blossoming leagues and cups.
As part of the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s ‘Catch the Spirit Week’ (building up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup), rep sides from South, West and North/East Yorkshire played T20s at Ossett Cricket Club as teams who are in the World Cup.
As for Adrianna’s season, it’s a juggling act between professional duties and a desire to keep supporting the grassroots game that has aided her development. I am surprised and impressed that she still turns out for Barnsley Woolley Miners’ 4th XI in the Yorkshire Cricket Southern Premier League.
“I’ve played at Barnsley since I were five. I’d not really want to give up playing for a club that really inspired me. My dad played at Barnsley. I’m just trying to help out as and when I can.”
Alongside her cricket, Adrianna has taught for five years at Silkstone Common Junior & Infant School. I miss a golden opportunity to ask which is tougher: Pro cricket or a classroom of boisterous primary schoolers?
Darlow still helps with the All Stars programme at Worsbrough Bridge Cricket Club who have players lining up against her on the Purple Team, captained by Rebecca Vernon of Anston CC.
Players across squads will likely know each other from leagues and competitions, but as Adrianna pointed out, these games offer an extra dynamic: “We needed an extra player so my best friend (Lauren Staves) is in my team. We’ve always played against each other!”
The debut #ItsOKToTalkT20 women’s match should attract a crowd and the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation will be bringing inflatables for spectators to test their skills and have a bit of fun. Expect a raffle, BBQ and music too.
The teams have special kit to mark the occasion, courtesy of sponsorship from Mono Malo and The Printroom. Meanwhile, The YCF will be hosting an ‘Open For All’ cricket engagement session before the game at 6pm.
Blue Team: Adrianna Darlow (captain, Barnsley Wooley Miners), Lois Adamson (Frecheville), Harriet Barber (Frecheville), Rhianna Fox (Frecheville), Cordelia Hibbert (Stocksbridge), Fenella Hibbert (Stocksbridge), Charlotte Middleton (Cutthorpe), Grace Middleton (Cutthorpe), Elysia Slack (Sheffield Transport), Lauren Staves (Tickhill), Abigail Thorley (Frecheville), Molly Whittaker (Elsecar).
Purple Team: Rebecca Vernon (captain, Anston), Maddie Blackburn (Sheffield Collegiate), Millie Grey (Bradfield Village Fellowship), Michelle Greaves (Wickerley Old Village), Grace Hirst (Sheffield Collegiate), Kate Holt (Tickhill), Megan Kilner (Worsbrough Bridge), Freya Littlewood (Worsbrough Bridge), Mayra Singh (Whiston Parish Church), Annabel Smith (Wickerley Old Village), Eva Venn (Millhouses Works), Matilda White (Sheffield Collegiate).
Umpires: Wendy Crabtree, Sophie McCoy
Venue: Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club, Rotherham, S60 4JG.
Start time: 4.30pm, game begins at 6pm.
Want to read more?
Here are interviews, match reports and photos in our Women & Girls Cricket hub of the Cricket Yorkshire website.
- ItsOKToTalkT20: Women & girls’ fixture at Whiston Parish Church - June 1, 2026
- Designed for altitude: Queensbury’s custom-made ACS cricket covers - May 28, 2026
- Cricket Yorkshire Teas of the Year returns across June - May 28, 2026
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