Women and Girls' Game Competitions Continue to Grow in Devon

The female game in Devon looks set to continue its growth in 2025 as new clubs join across all competitions ahead of the new season.

"It’s just been phenomenal," says Susannah Maxa, Chair of the Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League. "The desire of women to play the game is demonstrated by the fact that the league continues to grow.

"This season, we are offering more formats to ensure that there is a smooth and seamless journey from softball to hardball cricket, giving every female in Devon the opportunity to play the cricket they want."

The Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League is run by a committee of dedicated and like-minded volunteers who have the task of providing recreational hardball cricket for women in Devon, which provides playing opportunities for all but also ensures that the cricket is competitive and helps to support our county teams.

Their desire to do this has seen the league expand this year to provide a new format of Super 8s, a hardball pairs competition.

"This new format is the bridge between the softball and hardball game that clubs have been looking for and will only help to grow the hardball game in Devon," says Women & Girls' Development Officer Ann-Marie Presswell.

"Compared to our neighbouring counties, the hardball cricket offer is unbelievable, with provision at 35 Over, T20 and 16 Over Super 8s format.

"Without the dedication of this group of people, none of this would happen. We work very closely together, and I can't thank them enough for what they do for the game."

This year, the 35 Over league has returned to a three-division structure with 16 teams competing, two of which, Chagford CC and Holsworthy CC, are new to the league.

The league has also seen five new clubs enter the Super 8s format, mostly taking advantage of the new pairs format, which is an ideal way for growing softball teams to introduce their players to traditional cricket. There will be over 200 games of female hardball cricket this coming season, excluding matches played on finals days.

"I can’t thank my committee enough," says Susannah. "The work they all put in behind the scenes to get ensure the league runs smoothly is immense. We should all be very proud of what we have achieved this year."

The growth in the women’s league reflects the continued growth in the female game across the county.

The softball league has seen five new teams enter the league, with 37 clubs covering seven divisions, and the Devon Girls' Cricket League has also introduced a new Under 15s softball division and seen nine new teams play across the league.

Whilst both the Devon Girls' Cricket League and the Devon Women's Softball League are managed by the Devon Cricket Foundation, volunteers still help to support and manage the leagues.

"It is so good to have club volunteers to help with the managing of the leagues," says Ann-Marie.

"They are the managers on the ground and have a great insight into the needs and wants of those playing. Their feedback is invaluable, as well as their support throughout the season. I very much appreciate their support.

"Cricket wouldn’t happen without the many club volunteers that make the game happen by standing up to help facilitate the running of the game on a committee is the next level.

"So I would like to say 'thank you' to all the females and male allies that help break down barriers in order to make female cricket happen in Devon and act to help bring parity to the game."

Tolchards Devon Cricket League Committee
Chair & Treasurer	Susannah Maxa
Vice Chair & Disciplinary Officer	Jan Witheridge
Secretary	Kirsty Hambley
Fixtures Secretary	Abi Clark
Results Secretary	Hannah Clark
Welfare Officer	Becky Harris
Media Officer	Kate Le Maux
Division 1 Rep	Richard Golsworthy
Division 2 & 3 Rep	Jo Watson
DACO Reps	Chris Sleep & Sharon Grigg

Devon Women's Softball League Panel

Kate Le Maux, Simon Hukku and Keeley Slaviero

Devon Girls' Cricket League Panel

Antony Cox, Caroline Creer, Richard Golsworthy, Gareth Hart and Jo Watson