COLLINGBOURNE Cricket Club hosted its inaugural Festival of Cricket last weekend, which included a first ever match for the Collingbourne Ladies Softball Team, an under-nines kwik cricket tournament, and two matches for the senior side.

The event started on Saturday morning with over 20 ladies taking part in a soft ball cricket match - part of the new ECB Women’s Soft Ball Cricket campaign.

Great fun was had by all with a number of big sixes, some fiendish bowling and great catches in the field.

The proceedings were rounded off with an excellent lunch and a glass of Prosecco in the club’s new marquee, as they watched Collingbourne league side host Purton II.

After bowling the opposition out for 149, with Archie Scott, Steve Glover and James Phillips all picking up three wickets each, the home side were confident about securing only their second win of the season.

Unfortunately a combination of some good bowling and some loose shots meant that Collingbourne lost wickets at regular intervals.

With only Tom Gailey (23) and Steve Glover (28) making any real contribution with the bat, the home side were eventually bowled out for 119.

The weekend’s cricket continued on Sunday as the club hosted its annual under-nines kwik cricket tournament in the morning, with eight different clubs taking part.

The sun shone as each side played two games each, as the recreation ground in Collingbourne Ducis was alive with young cricketers relishing the opportunity to show off their skills to the supportive crowds.

Mugs of tea, bacon rolls and home-made cakes all round ensured both our junior players and parents enjoyed the morning’s activities.

The final action of the weekend saw Collingbourne’s Sunday friendly side entertain Wilton in the afternoon.

The 30-over match provided all players an opportunity to get involved with both the bat and ball in a relaxed and entertaining game.

After bowling the visitors out for just 111, Collingbourne eventually crossed the finish line with a couple of overs to spare finishing on 112-8.

The club would like to thank everyone that took part in the festival over the weekend, and especially to the volunteers that helped bring the event together.

For any ladies wishing to take part in Soft Ball Cricket, please do get in touch with the club via the club's Facebook page or collingbournecricketclub.co.uk