England women’s visit is washed out

Despite the best effort of everyone involved only two overs play were possible at East Bergholt Cricket Club in the match between the reigning world Twenty20 champions and a team of Division One and Two players drawn from the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship who were skippered by ex-Essex and England bowler Neil Foster.

England brought a full-strength side to Gandish Road, led by captain Charlotte Edwards, and one of the two overs bowled was delivered by Katherine Brunt, arguably the fastest women’s bowler in the world, as the Two Counties reached five without loss, after the scheduled start was put back from 12.30pm until 3pm.

But rain then forced the players from the field and they were unable to return before finally abandoning play for the day at 5.45pm.

Andy Fairchild, the event organiser, said: “Of course it has been a disappointing day. We had a big crowd here when we finally got started at 3pm, so it was disappointing for them.

“But the England ladies have been wonderful ambassadors for the game - three of them are on the outfield now bowling tennis balls with 30 juniors in the pouring rain, which just shows their attitude towards cricket and the development of the game.”

Fairchild, asked if it was possible that the England Ladies may return in the future, said: “They have said they will look at it favourably, and we would be delighted to welcome them back again, especially as today has been such a disappointing day for all concerned.”

Earlier 160 guests had sat down for lunch in a marquee on the ground and 50 girls aged between nine and 12 from Copdock, East Bergholt Felixstowe and Hadleigh competed in a mini tournament despite the drizzle.

East Bergholt’s five-day festival, which is being sponsored by Budgens, continues today with a Two Counties Division Two match against Brightlingsea.

Tomorrow is Ladies’ Day, when 200 people are expected to attend, and the festivitives conclude on Monday with a Junior Day.