Women’s softball cricket prove a big hit at Whitstable Cricket Club as 2nds and 3rds celebrate Kent Cricket League promotions this year

Women’s softball cricket has proved a big hit at Whitstable Cricket Club.

They started on August 11 and sessions have been held every Friday since, the last of this summer’s female-only classes being held this week at the club’s Belmont ground.

Whitstable’s opening evening helped dozens get involved - and even more have since.

Former Kent skipper Dave Fulton, their 2nds captain who is also involved in coaching at Whitstable, said: “We have got girls playing in our junior set-up but we have not got a women’s section.

“I think we had 25 turn out at the first session and, last Friday, there were in excess of 30. They love it. It’s softball cricket.

“We work them hard for an hour - but most have a drink after. This Friday is our last one and then we’ll see where things are at.

“We will see what they want to do with it. It’s exciting.

“A lot of them are parents or partners of players, although some are completely new to the club. It’s all part of growing the club and growing the community.

“There’s a lot of talent.”

Other Kent League clubs, including St Lawrence & Highland Court and neighbours Chestfield, 2023 Kent Women’s softball cricket East League champions, already have established women’s teams in the area.

Fulton said: “St Lawrence have been quite big on women’s cricket for a while now.

“But there’s no point in all the women being at one club - because they then have no one to play against!

“If we can grow our women’s section, that would be important because women’s cricket is growing bigger and bigger.”

Left-arm seam bowler Alexa Stonehouse, 18, has already come through the ranks at Whitstable CC. She was again with Trent Rockets at this year’s Hundred competition.

But Whitstable’s women’s sessions have attracted