Record-breaking Greaves leads Wickersley Vixens to victory

Tom Collins reflects from a trip to Wickersley Old Village as he caught an August Division 1 (hardball) match in the South Yorkshire Women & Girls Cricket League.

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Continuing my journey across some of the fantastic grassroots cricket grounds that South Yorkshire has to offer, I set my sights on the village of Wickersley and a spot of women’s hard ball league action.

The Wickersley ‘Vixens’ faced the in-form Eckington (of Derbyshire) in a league match. Wickersley had been on my radar for a while as my wife had spent much of her childhood here, and was the destination for her 18th birthday party.

As we approached the ground, she couldn’t wait to share stories of innings gone by, of her father’s memorable innings and just as memorable cricket teas.

She was quick to point out how much the facilities had changed, with a mammoth electric scoreboard in the corner of the field now replacing the gap where the scorers once sat, as well as a newly renovated clubhouse that was trendy, family-friendly, welcoming and home to some exceptional pork scratchings.

My wife and I found our idyllic spot on a pitchside bench, basking in the overhang of beautiful trees with a crisp cider in one hand and the aforementioned pork scratchings in the other, ready for a few lovely hours of entertainment.

The overhead conditions were cloudy and swing bowlers across the country would have been rubbing their hands at the chance to take a few wickets. The outfield however was rapid and any clean connection would lead to swiftly dispatched boundaries.

Wickersley batted first and were quick to lose an unfortunate run out dismissal. They bounced back magnificently with an unbeaten 90 from 66 balls by Michelle Greaves who reminded me of the great Marcus Trescothick.

(👏 This was the Vixens’ and the league’s highest hardball score).

Her innings comprised a total of 14 boundaries from cover drives to flicks off the legs, partnered wonderfully by Alice Hague (58 off 48 balls). Having chosen to bat first, Wickersley set an impressive 160 from their 20 overs at Northfield Lane.

There was some tidy bowling, particularly Steph Sargant (0-27) who kept a very tight line and length that made scoring difficult. Amelia Williams (1-22) had the best economy rate of Eckington’s bowling attack.

Cusack battling half-century

In reply, Eckington’s total was built around a battling 55 from wicketkeeper Claire Cusack before her dismissal (another run-out of an opener) yet wickets fell regularly and the visitors ultimately came up short.

Both teams showed great spirit but the most pleasing part of this for myself was the atmosphere. Every player wanted to take home the victory but it was both friendly and competitive.

Surrounded by the picturesque village of Wickersley, a fresh drink and the best seats in the house, I had Viv Richards’ immortal words echoing in my head: ‘cricket makes you fall in love with every game, every over, and every ball.’

My wife and I watched a fantastic game of cricket as I listened to her reminisce about innings gone by. This was only my second women’s cricket game I have ever attended (read my visit to Whiston Parish Church Belles) but with such a competitive game, in such an idyllic venue, I can’t wait for next weekend.

In Division 1 of the South Yorkshire Women & Girls Cricket League, things have moved on since this Eckington fixture. At the time of writing, Eckington (63) are top with a game in hand while the Vixens (51) are hoping not to lose third place to Millhouses Works who have a final game left.

🏏 JF / Editor’s Note…

The Vixens’ captain Lisa Matthews shared a bit more background on their journey to date…

She told me: “Wickersley Vixens are now in their fourth year competing in the South Yorkshire Women & Girls League. We’re proud to be a large and growing club, welcoming players of all ages and abilities.

Our squad includes 8 ‘Mini Vixens’ (ages 9–13) who play in the U11 and U13s League, alongside a thriving open-age group of 40 players (ages 13–60). Coached by experienced local senior players, we have a fantastic blend of talent and experience which enables us to compete successfully across multiple formats and divisions within the league.

The Vixens continue to go from strength to strength, providing opportunities for women and girls to enjoy cricket, develop their skills, and be part of a supportive and competitive team.”