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Finchampstead, Berkshire — Finchampstead Cricket Club has announced an exciting community sporting event as it prepares to host a Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Benefit Match, bringing an Ex‑England Legends Team to the village for a day of cricket, family entertainment, and fundraising.
Taking place on FRIDAY JUNE 12th, the day will feature a full programme designed to appeal to cricket fans, families, and supporters of grassroots sport. The highlight of the event will be the Finchampstead XI vs. Ex‑England Legends match, scheduled for 3:30pm, giving spectators a rare chance to see former national players back in action.
The festivities begin at 12:00pm with a marquee lunch and exclusive auction, offering guests the opportunity to support the club while bidding on premium items and experiences. From 3:30pm, families can enjoy a vibrant afternoon including a BBQ, ice cream, raffle, and live music.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate cricket, and support the development of the sport at a local level,” said a spokesperson for Finchampstead Cricket Club. “We’re proud to welcome former England greats to our ground and create a day that offers something for everyone.”
The event is open to ages 8 and above, with all abilities and levels of cricket experience welcome.
Local businesses and supporters are invited to get involved through a range of sponsorship and fundraising opportunities, including:
Book a table
Sponsor an element of the day (e.g., BBQ or ice cream tent)
Advertise in the event programme
Donate prizes for the auction
The event is proudly hosted by Nirvana Spa.
For more information or to register interest, contact: Phil — 07786 231625 Email: phillip_amy@hotmail.com Website: nirvanaspacollection.co.uk/spa/finchampstead-cricket
Welcome from Kate Aldridge
Welcome to the April edition of the Raising The Game bulletin.
There’s a real sense of excitement building across the game as we head towards a huge summer for women’s cricket, with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just around the corner. You can feel that momentum everywhere and the recent Schools Cricket Day, marking 50 days until the tournament begins, really brought it to life. It was brilliant seeing more than 236,000 children picking up a bat and ball and hopefully starting an ongoing love of the game – and a reminder of cricket’s ability to inspire future generations.
It’s also been great to see clubs spring back into action as the season gets underway. Get Set Weekend once again showed what makes cricket special, with thousands of volunteers giving up their time to get everything ready. From preparing pitches to opening up clubhouses, it’s those efforts that set the tone for the summer ahead and make sure cricket is ready to welcome everyone in.
Thank you, as always, for the role you play in driving this progress forward.
Best wishes,
Kate Aldridge
Director of Business Operations and EDI, ECB
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL BULLETIN
Amateur cricket coaches and educational professionals are invited to attend a free, full-day Cricket Coaching Masterclass on Tuesday 12 May 2026 at Westonbirt School.
Running from 9:00am to 5:00pm, the event will combine expert-led theory with practical, on-field coaching. The morning session, delivered by Stuart Barnes, will focus on bowling fundamentals, age-appropriate coaching techniques, and performance analysis, with an interactive format encouraging discussion and questions.
In the afternoon, attendees will observe and engage in live coaching sessions with youth players across U14–U18 age groups. The practical programme will explore session design, skills development, and applied coaching, with opportunities for feedback and shared learning.
Free of charge and including lunch and refreshments, the Masterclass aims to equip coaches with clear, transferable skills to enhance their impact in both school and club cricket environments.
Places are limited, and early booking is recommended. – CLICK HERE
A truly historic fixture was played out in front of Berkshire Cricket Chair Jayne Haines when Holyport played host to a Walking Cricket fixture against The Chelsea Pensioners.
Holyport were founded in 1844, being one of the oldest cricket clubs in the UK, but for a change were not the oldest team taking part, with the residents of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, founded in 1682.
Bedecked in their custom-made shirts that mirror their traditional red uniform, the Pensioners lost the toss and were invited to bat by their hosts.
At the halfway stage of their 16 over allocation, the Pensioners were cruising at 78-0, but a strong fightback by Holyport saw them take seven wickets and restrict the Pensioners to a score of 117. Chelsea skipper Gerry Corns led the from the front, top scoring with 24 from 18 balls, whilst the Holyport fightback was led by Jane Dennett (2-12) and Mike Preedy (2-16).
A sumptuous spread was then enjoyed by the participants and spectators, a deliberate tactic to slow those Pensioners down in the field with that extra portion of Daphne’s cakes enjoyed!
An even contest then ensued with Holyport, inspired by top scorer left-handed opener Mike Preedy’s 25 from 13 balls, reaching a score of 75 after 8 overs.
Could Chelsea peg back Holyport in the same way? It didn’t seem possible with the Holyport score on a winning 121 after 14 overs.
However, with five runs lost for each wicket to fall, all was not lost. Ex-Hurley player Nally Fernando only conceded two runs from the 15th over, to leave Holyport five runs in front coming into the final over.
The exciting final over of the game!
The Pensioners opted for Pete Rowlands (2-12) to bowl the final over to Holyport captain Tony Davies and Jane Dennett. With two scored off the first ball taking Holyport into a seven run lead, a rotund lady could be heard warming up, but a cooly taken caught & bowled from the second ball brought Chelsea right back into the contest. But with a two from the third ball, Holyport went back to a lead of five. Two dots were then played out leaving a last ball thriller, Chelsea requiring a wicket from the final delivery for a tie.
Rowland bowled, Dennett prodded forward nervously, the ball looped up off the bat, but short of mid on and Rowlands unable to negotiate a path from his follow through around the backing up Davies, seeing the ball land safely on the grass.
A five run win for Holyport but undoubtedly, Walking Cricket was the winner!
A thoroughly enjoyable morning played in an excellent spirit and both sides look forward to making this a regular fixture in the future.
Meanwhile, Holyport are preparing for their North Yorkshire tour in early June, before the inaugural Berkshire Walking Cricket Festival at Purley-on-Thames later that month.
Clubs interested in launching their own walking cricket section are encouraged to contact Chris Baker at Berkshire Cricket via chris.baker@berkshirecricket.org
The Holyport Walking Cricket squad with Jayne Haines, Chair of Berkshire Cricket
Girls’ Cricket Masterclass Launches at The Abbey Senior School as Part of Open Morning Programme
The Abbey Senior School in Reading will host a dynamic Cricket Masterclass for girls in Years 4 to 6 on Saturday 9 May 2026, offering young participants the chance to develop skills, build confidence and experience the school’s vibrant sporting environment.
Taking place from 9:00am to 10:15am on the school’s astro pitch, the session will be led by The Abbey’s PE department and is designed to introduce players of all abilities to cricket in a fun, supportive setting. The school is known for its strong co-curricular programme, with pupils regularly participating in a wide range of sports including cricket, alongside opportunities to compete at county and national levels.
The masterclass forms part of a wider programme of events at The Abbey, which regularly welcomes prospective families to experience school life through interactive activities, tours and open events.
Following the cricket session, families are invited to attend the school’s Senior School and Sixth Form Open Morning (9:30am–12:30pm), where visitors can tour the campus, meet staff and students, and gain insight into the school’s academic and co-curricular offering.
The event reflects The Abbey’s commitment to encouraging girls’ participation in sport and providing opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, fostering confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of physical activity.
Participants are asked to wear comfortable sports clothing, bring a water bottle and arrive ready to take part in an engaging and energetic session.
Welcome to April’s Edition of The Cricket Collective Bulletin
The 2026 season is officially upon us and has arrived with real purpose, positivity and enormous potential.
This year’s Get Set Weekend, powered by Toyota, saw an incredible 39,500 volunteers come together at more than 1,800 clubs – another year-on-year record‑breaking effort that speaks volumes about the passion and commitment that underpin our game. Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and helped get clubs ready for the months ahead.
Today also marks a major milestone: 50 Days to Go until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Trophy Tour, fan activations and Schools Cricket Day are already bringing the tournament to life in communities across England and Wales, and this excitement will only continue to build. There are plenty of ways for clubs to get involved and help make this a truly unforgettable summer for the women’s game. Please read on for more…
This month’s bulletin also includes a range of practical support – from safeguarding resources and Toyota Good For Cricket guidance, to helpful tools on the Cricket Collective Learning Hub and webinars designed to support clubs through new legislative changes.
Thank you for the continued leadership and dedication you bring to the recreational game. Your work underpins everything we achieve together, and I trust the tools and guidance in this month’s bulletin help you and your clubs start the season with full confidence.
With my continued best wishes
Leshia Hawkins
Managing Director, Recreational Game
The Berkshire Cricket Officials Association (BCOA), part of the ECB ACO South Central Region, is inviting new and existing officials to join and develop their umpiring or scoring skills.
For more information and to join CLICK HERE
Three membership options are available:
Membership provides training, support, and a clear pathway into ECB-sanctioned cricket.
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Kylie White’s recent achievements represent a remarkable “hat trick” of success in cricket officiating. She has progressed from recreational cricket in Queensland to officiating at the highest level of professional women’s domestic cricket, having been appointed by Cricket Australia. During her debut season, she officiated both on-field and as a fourth umpire in the Women’s Big Bash League and the Women’s National Cricket League, marking an impressive entry into elite competition.
In addition to her success in Australia, Kylie continues to officiate in England during the summer, primarily through appointments with the ECB. Despite her demanding schedule, she still finds time to support local cricket, including matches for Berkshire ACO, the Thames Valley Cricket League, and Berkshire U18 Girls, where her presence is always warmly received.
Her achievements are further highlighted by her recent selection to the Women’s National Panel, confirming her growing reputation at the top level of the game. She is also on track to become Berkshire’s first umpire to gain elite-level recognition in both England and Australia.
The most notable milestone, however, is her recognition as Queensland Match Official of the Year, awarded at a prestigious ceremony. This honour reflects the significant impact she has made in a short period and has drawn widespread praise, with national figures describing the news as “incredible” and widely celebrated among her peers.
Overall, Kylie White’s journey is not only a personal success story but also an inspiration, demonstrating the opportunities available in cricket officiating through dedication, skill, and commitment.
Welcome from Kate Aldridge
Welcome to the March edition of the Raising The Game bulletin.
It’s been a hugely energising period across the network, not least coming off the back of Network Live 2026: Leading the Future of Women’s Cricket conference hosted in partnership with Metro Bank. It was a weekend full of talks, workshops and conversations aimed at powering the next stage of growth for women’s and girls’ cricket. It was a joy to see so many passionate coaches, volunteers and leaders from across the game come together. The energy, ideas and shared ambition in the room were a powerful reminder of the progress we’re making and the opportunity ahead as we build towards a landmark summer for women’s cricket.
This is also a moment of reflection. With a number of organisations and counties publishing their latest impact reports, we’re seeing clear evidence of the scale and depth of work happening across cricket to grow the game and make it more inclusive. From grassroots programmes to workforce development and community engagement, the collective effort across the network continues to make a meaningful difference.
Thank you, as always, for the role you play in driving this progress forward.
Best wishes,
Kate Aldridge
Director of Business Operations and EDI, ECB
Jamie Reeder, a Master’s student at the University of East Anglia, is currently conducting a research study exploring the role of performance analysis and the impact it has on ECB-qualified coaches and their coaching practice.
The study aims to better understand how performance analysis is used within cricket coaching and how it influences decision-making, player development, and overall coaching effectiveness. Insights gathered will contribute to ongoing academic research and may help inform future coaching practices within the game.
ECB-qualified coaches are invited to take part in a short online survey. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses will remain anonymous. The survey will outline the purpose of the research, the expected time commitment, participants’ rights, and how data will be securely stored and used.
Participants will also have the option to express interest in a follow-up interview to further explore their experiences and perspectives.
Those interested in contributing to this research can access the survey via the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/zVkXvh1Wai
Your support and participation would be greatly appreciated in helping to advance understanding of performance analysis within cricket coaching.
Crowthorne and Crown Wood Cricket Club (CCWCC) offers a comprehensive, three-tier pathway designed to make cricket accessible and rewarding for women and girls of all skill levels. The Home Counties Women’s League (Hardball) As the club’s premier competitive tier, the Women’s 1st XI competes at a high regional level. Focus: High-performance play, tactical precision, and technical excellence. 2. The Development XI & Super 8s This tier serves as the critical bridge between junior/softball cricket and the full hardball game. Format: Uses “Super 8s” (pairs scoring), ensuring players aren’t “out” after one ball. 3. The “Coyotes” (Softball Cricket) The club’s fastest-growing section, the Coyotes focus on accessibility and the social side of sport. Culture: Highly social, participating in regional Berkshire Cricket Festivals that blend cricket with a carnival atmosphere.
For More information contact – womenscricket@ccwcc.info
BBF ACADEMY is a growing brand that offers cricket and football coaching within the Bracknell area. We currently represent Bracknell Cricket Club and have been coaching there throughout the winter months and also at a local primary school. Our ambition is to grow bigger and offer our unique training methods to more eager young cricketers across the region. I am a EBC Level 2 coach and have plenty of experience both coaching and playing the game and am eager to share my knowledge with those looking to enhance their coaching skills. Please kindly contact me if interested and we can discuss requirements, hourly payment and more around the cricketing scene.
CONTACT – Bbfcricketacademy@gmail.com
🎟️ Tickets for all fixtures with our friends at Hampshire Cricket are now on general sale — and your summer of cricket starts right here.
From big-hitting Blast nights to classic red-ball rivalries and thrilling one-day contests, there’s something for every cricket fan.
Secure your seats, bring your crew, and get ready for an unforgettable season.
Berks ACO is delighted to announce that Kylie White, a Berkshire Umpire, has graduated from
recreational cricket in Queensland to officiating top level, professional women’s domestic cricket
appointed by Cricket Australia (CA). Kylie, a dual, Australian-British national, officiates in both
England and Australia. Sydney born, to British parents, Kylie has enjoyed and excelled as a
cricketer in England with highly regarded Gunnersbury WCC.
Kylie is based in Queensland’s Gold Coast, working and developing talent in QLD State cricket.
Her commitment and ability in the State recreational game led to her selection to officiating
professional cricket at both State and National level. This is her debut season, officiating both on-
field and as 4th umpire in the Women’s Big Bash League (T20 WBBL) and the Women’s National
Cricket League (50 over WNCL).
During the English summer, Kylie is in England, principally as an umpire on ECB appointments,
but has found time to take occasional Berks ACO and Thames Valley Cricket League matches
when her schedule permits and is always welcomed when umpiring Berkshire U18 Girls. Kylie is
pursuing a National Panel appointment, on the Women’s Pathway, for the 2026 season. She has
made the selection list for ECB interview at the end of this month and everyone at Berks ACO is
supporting her aim of becoming the County’s first umpire to achieve selection in both countries.
This document is intended to provide information for clubs, players, parents, coaches and umpires on how to recognise, manage and return to play from concussion in cricket.
These guidelines are for people of all ages participating in recreational cricket, including disabled people. However, where impairment-specific issues arise further advice should be sought.