GLOUCESTERSHIRE Girls U13s and the U13 Development Squad both returned from the Malvern Festival with heads held high after a series of excellent performances.
The U13s (main image) won three of their four matches while the development squad (pictured below) notched up two victories from their five outings.
But as well as being an important cricket experience, both squads benefitted hugely from a stay away from home at such a prestigious venue.
Coach Ryan Walker said: “The most important aspect of the festival is that all the girls had a tremendous amount of fun.
“Yes, there were great chances to develop as players because we were competing against a lot of different sides we don’t normally face because of geography, and the games were on great tracks in front of bigger crowds than we’re used to.
“That can only help their cricket education while the down time was also very important … because of covid last year, many of the girls were staying away from home for the first time and that’s a big step.
“They had a chance to spend a lot more time together and also enjoy other activities such as rounders and swimming.”
The U13s, meanwhile, dug deep for a five-wicket win away to Warwickshire this week. The home side battled to total 99-6 from 35 overs and then reduced Gloucestershire to 62-5 before an excellent stand between Emily Austen (34) and Imogen Davies (20) saw their side to the spoils.
The 13s are home to Oxfordshire on Sunday at Tockington School before concluding their season away to Dorset on September 5.
The Development squad wrap up their season with a trip to Dorset on Thursday.
Gloucestershire Girls U15s consolidated their place at the top of their group in the ECB County Championship with a big win away to Cornwall.
The visitors totalled 254 after winning the toss, in-form captain Katie Jones trapped leg before for 99, before Cornwall were rushed out for 43, Lucy Thompson leading the way with figures of 3-4 from four.
The U15 Development Squad finished all-square with Dorset after a friendly T20 double-header at Broadstone.
The visitors came up 26 runs short in the first clash, Evie Patterson unbeaten on 24, before closing out a nine-run win in the rematch.
Captain Sophie Webster was unbeaten on 27 in a challenge of 125-9 while Evie and Alice Bowyer then both took 2-18 to help seal an exciting victory.