Get Active with Old Woking’s New Women’s Walking Cricket Team

Surrey’s first women’s walking cricket team has launched in Old Woking. Why not give it a go even if you’ve never picked up a bat before?

Old Woking Women’s Walking Cricket Team Plays First Match

On a scorching hot day in June, the newly formed Old Woking Women’s Walking Cricket team played their first match against fellow Surrey side Holmbury St Mary.

Despite losing by just 10 runs, the team called it “an absolute thrill.” The OWLS fielders took some great catches and claimed impressive wickets.

How the OWLS Came to Life

The OWLS was formed in April by Sara Davies, who had the idea while playing for the OWCC walking cricket team. Sara explains, “I was the weakest link in the predominantly male OWCC walking cricket team because I lacked competitive match experience. Most women of our age didn’t play cricket at school and mostly played with family.”

“There is a lack of women in walking cricket generally. My aim was to bring women into the game.”

The Surrey Cricket Foundation and Old Woking Cricket Club have been very supportive, generously lending their time and energy. Sara says, “I can’t thank them enough.”

A Team of Newcomers with Big Hearts

The team already has 13 members. Most players are novices, and many had never held a cricket bat or ball before joining.

New recruit Jo shared, “I thought a women’s walking cricket team was a fantastic idea. We needed something like this in the area. It’s a great way to stay fit and meet new people too.”

Learning the Game with Expert Support

Nico Theologo of 2020 Community Cricket, a first-class cricketer, patiently teaches the team the basics. Sara adds, “He’s been extremely patient teaching us the rudiments of the game. ‘Soft hands’ when catching!!”

Vic Shipp of OWCC has kindly made room at the Old Woking ground for training and is very supportive. Sara says, “We could not have started without them both.”

She also thanks Simon Hards of the Surrey Cricket Foundation and Kim Price, Surrey’s walking cricket officer, for their help with the OWLS.

Looking Ahead: Growing Women’s Walking Cricket

More women are signing up for local cricket teams. The OWLS hope to create a women’s walking cricket league throughout Surrey in the future.

The OWLS are looking for more new members. Anyone interested in joining the OWLS team in Old Woking can get in touch via email: saradavies631@btinternet.com. If you are looking to join a team in your area, please contact Kim Price (Walking Cricket Officer) at kprice@surreycricket.com

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