COLLINGBOURNE Cricket Club is entering into a new and exciting phase in its life as the club has created a women's section in addition to its flourishing youth section.

The women play softball cricket with the emphasis being on participation.

They have entered open age softball cricket tournaments and acquitted themselves well; last season they won one tournament and came second in the other.

So far this season there has been a 'Family Smash and Bash' day, the aim of which was to give new players an opportunity to play alongside already established players.

The day had more than 40 participants.

Over the weekend, the Club held its own breast and prostate cancer fundraising with cricket-related events on both days.

The weekend began with a Ladies cricket session in the morning followed by the men's league match in the afternoon.

On the Sunday there was a Kwik Cricket tournament with clubs coming from all over the district to play followed by the men's friendly match against Village Freehouse in the afternoon during which wearing pink clothing was mandatory.

The men's section has also seen some changes as they left the Wiltshire League and began life in the Hampshire League. It's a case of 'so far so good' as both games have been won.

The first game against Hyde 2nd XI saw them just manage to get over the line chasing 95 and wining by just three wickets.

In the second game against Michelmarsh and Timsbury they were much more convincing.

Being invited to bat first Collingbourne made an imposing 245 thanks to half centuries from Andy Holman and Harry Brown, backed up by contributions from Dave Malley, Barry Reed and Tom Gailey.

Michelmarsh were then bowled out for just 50. Harry Brown followed his half century with a five wicket haul ably backed up by Aaron Hitchmough who claimed three wickets.