W&G floodlit softball festivals a fitting finale to a fine season
Cricket Shropshire brought the Women & Girls’ Summer programme to a fantastic close with two brilliant evenings of floodlit cricket at Wrekin College.
The Women and Girls’ Floodlit Softball Festivals provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate another successful year of women and girls’ cricket across Shropshire.
The first event was the Girls’ Floodlit Softball Festival which welcomed seven teams from across Shropshire.
Played on the Astroturf under the floodlights, the evening offered something a little different to the traditional summer programme and created a fantastic atmosphere for the players.
Despite the change in surface, there was no shortage of quality cricket on display.
Throughout the evening there were plenty of runs scored, some outstanding catches, incredible direct run outs and brilliant wickets – all of which drew huge applause from the crowd of coaches and parents watching on.
Most importantly, the festival showcased the huge amount of young cricketing talent developing across the county.
With seven teams taking part, it was another encouraging demonstration of the continued enthusiasm for girls’ cricket and a brilliant way for the players to finish their summer together.
Attention then turned to the Women’s Floodlit Softball Festival with an even bigger evening of cricket in store.
A fantastic 12 teams came together for the festival, bringing a real mixture of experience.
Established teams and players lined up alongside those who are newer to the game, creating exactly the sort of fun and welcoming environment that softball cricket is all about in Shropshire.
While the matches were played in great spirit, there was still plenty of competitive cricket on show.
Teams enjoyed the opportunity to test themselves against different opposition, while the relaxed festival format ensured that enjoyment and participation remained at the heart of the evening.
Cricket Shropshire’s Women & Girls’ Development Officer Naomi Payne said: “The strength of the two festivals, with 19 teams taking part across the two evenings, is another positive sign of the enthusiasm surrounding women and girls’ cricket in Shropshire.
“From talented young players producing memorable moments on the first evening to experienced and brand-new players sharing the pitch in the second festival , the week was a brilliant celebration of the game at all levels.
“As W&Gs Lead, these events are really special.
“Standing back and seeing players from across the County come together to enjoy their cricket, make new friends and further develop is really pleasing.
“It’s been another fantastic Summer in Shropshire, and this was the perfect stage to round out the 2026 season.”
“A huge thank you to Wrekin College for once again providing such a fantastic setting for the festivals, and to Strategic Leisure for their continued sponsorship and support.
“Their contribution to women and girls’ cricket is hugely appreciated and helps make occasions like these possible.”
With Summer now officially over, we turn to what we hope will be another fantastic Winter of indoor cricket for both women and girls.
