Women and girls: Premier League reboot & Headingley conference

The women and girls’ cricket scene in Yorkshire is set for an action-packed summer at grassroots. In this collaboration with the Yorkshire Cricket Board, we share the latest news and developments.

The Yorkshire Women & Girls Cricket League has had something of a reboot for 2024 with new committee members and plans.

The season began on Sunday 28 April with the start of The Hundred competition featuring nine club teams (unfortunately wrecked by rain).

Rockingham Colliery, Yapham, University of York, Wrenthorpe, Clifton Park Cobras, Doncaster Town, Sheffield Collegiate, Sessay and Saxton are involved.

The group stages of the 100-ball contest concludes in the middle of June before the play-off finals.

Then, six club sides will compete for the 40-over Premier League title, won by Wrenthorpe last season. The longer-format hardball season begins on Sunday 23 June through to Sunday 8 September.

Sheffield Collegiate replaces Cottingham and the other teams are: Wrenthorpe, Sessay, Saxton, Rockingham Colliery and Doncaster Town.

Meanwhile, Yapham and Clifton Park Cobras will feature in Division 1 of the East Yorkshire Women & Girls Cricket League, alongside Sessay, Driffield Town, Goole Town and Hessle.

In addition, there are regional cricket leagues for women and girls (hardball and softball) across Yorkshire.

Women & Girls Cricket Conference (Headingley)

On 19 May, prior to England Women’s IT20 match against Pakistan, 300 volunteers from across the game will be invited to share their experiences and discuss the future of the women and girls’ game.

There is much to build on with more than 20 leagues offering women and girls cricket and a record rise in those playing across Yorkshire over the past three years.

That momentum includes 302 women’s and girl’s teams – this has trebled from 2020. Meanwhile, there are 195 women’s and girl’s clubs – up from 83 in 2020.

Those stats pinpoint the fact that more players, coaches, teams, clubs, volunteers and supporters are helping to support the growth of women and girls’ cricket.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Conference, you can reach out to Rob Johnson, the YCB’s Women & Girls County Lead, via [email protected].