Season 2023 was another successful one for Farnsfield Cricket Club — with a major development the formation of a women’s section.

The women’s and girls’ team is now well-established, playing competitively in both the Nottinghamshire Indoor and East Midlands Outdoor Softball cricket leagues — finishing a creditable fourth in the outdoor league.

An innovation this year was the inaugural Farnsfield Cricket Cub’s Women’s Softball Festival, when Farnsfield played teams from Welbeck and Blyth, and were joined by international umpire Sue Redfern and two Blaze players, Kathryn Bryce and Georgie Boyce.

The women’s section consists of nearly 30 players, aged from 12 to over 70, of all abilities.

The junior hardball teams also had a good season, with one of the highlights seeing the under-15 team win the Mansfield and District Youth League Cup.

In the 20-over match at Mansfield Hosiery Mills, Cuckney won the toss, elected to bat, and started well through their first three batters.

However, Jacob Brand-Rea, Freddie Baker and Harry Ballard claimed their wickets, and Harry went on to take 3 for 23 as Cuckney closed on 108 for 6.

In reply, Farnsfield only lost one wicket before Cam Jackson hit a four off to clinch victory.

Krrish Patel’s struck 53 off 51 balls, including four fours and a six, and Will Marshall hit 37 off 38 balls.

Friday night junior cricket training was popular with the youngest players.

This year also saw the introduction of a girls-only group, who were coached by two ECB-qualified female coaches.

This initiative attracted more than 20 girls, who picked up new cricket skills and, it is hoped, will go on to be future members of the women’s section and play senior cricket.

All three Saturday teams consolidated their positions in their respective Bassetlaw League divisions.

Toby Dodds, an overseas player from Australia, helped the first XI to second place, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Nottinghamshire Premier League Division 2.

Toby was the top wicket-taker in the division, closely followed by another Farnsfield player, Alex West, who also had the accolade of returning the best bowling figures of 7 for 19.

The 2nd XI remain in Division 1 and the 3rd XI, having been promoted last season and being primarily made up of the club’s junior players, finished fourth in Division 5.

The Sunday team and Sunday development team enabled younger players to experience the longer format of cricket on a regular basis.

The club’s annual presentation evening was held at Forever Green, Rainworth.

Award winners included: 1st team batting – Brad Wright, 2nd team batting – Ben Goss, women’s team batting – Luce Brailsford, 1st team bowling -Toby Dodds, 2nd team bowling – Will Wheatley, women’s team bowling – Emma Turner.

The club is always looking for new members — players, scorers, volunteers or supporters. Anyone interested should email [email protected] information.

Future social events at the club include a quiz night on 24th November and all the details will be on the club’s social media.

The Fireworks Event on 4th November starts from 6pm, with a fireworks display at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the club and Inspirations in Farnsfield.