Women's Softball Cricket Festivals are back – with more to come this summer.Sunday saw the first post-pandemic festivals take place at Beacon CC in Shrewsbury and Shifnal CC on the same weekend as recreational league cricket returned to Shropshire.
Cricket Shropshire lead officer Steve Reese said: "Sunday's events were used as a trial run to see how the festivals would run under the new ECB and Government guidelines."
Two teams from Wrekin Roadrunners and Albrighton Roses together with sides from Madeley Royals, Wellington and Forton Ladies making their Softball Festival bow took to the field at Shifnal.
Across the other side of the county at Beacon, the hosts and Pontesbury each fielded three sides together with teams from Oswestry Outlaws and Wem Crash.
Steve said: "With the weather set fair, all participants were treated to a welcome glass of Prosecco to get the activities underway
"The feedback has been really positive and the ladies are eager for dates of upcoming festivals which have been released and venues are currently being sought."Women and Girls' Administrator Katie Rushton said: "Despite the changes needed to implement the Covid-19 guidelines, with smaller groups, the spirit and enthusiasm of the ladies was still there and everyone enjoyed and relished the chance to play cricket again."
Cricket Shropshire has now earmarked August 9, 16, and September for the next Softball Festivals, while the Board would also like to host a "mega" festival on September 27 if restrictions allow.
Steve said: "For the remaining three dates the Board will facilitate the pre event administration and will limit each venue to two pitches and 4 teams, unless there is an equivalent two pitch space where the groups can be kept separate.
"Minimum boundary sizes of 30 metres are also mandatory, which will determine the number of pitches at grounds.
"All in all a successful return, we look forward to more of the same in the coming weeks."
If any club is interested in hosting or taking part in a Festival, they can contact Katie via katie.rushton@shropshirecricketboard.co.uk