In addition, there was a full fixture list of 10 friendly matches arranged and with the anticipation of an increased membership, expectations were high for a successful season and to see the Ladies Section take a big stride forward.

Unfortunately, everything did not run according to plan! Firstly, the coach identified by Sharon Eyers to coach us regularly for two hours each Wednesday evening was unable to attend, initially due to her teaching commitments but latterly due to a serious knee injury. Secondly, the weather was against us and whenever the Ladies had a match on a Sunday morning, rain could be almost guaranteed. Thirdly, of all the matches arranged, only two were actually played (one win and one defeat). There were a couple of fixture "cock-ups" (which were not all Bethan's fault!), our opposition cancelled on two occasions due to a lack of players and we called off the last two matches for a similar reason.

We did manage to add eight new names to our membership list this season, which was excellent news and proves that the section is moving in the right direction. However, to counter this, a number of girls who have played and trained with us in the past seem to have drifted away. We do still have 19 names on the membership list, which is an excellent base to build on.

Due to the injury to our coach, we have arranged for the "Awards for All" grant to be carried over to the 2002 season so, hopefully, the promised coaching will be available next season. In addition, we still have plenty of the publicity material available to distribute to local schools, youth establishments, etc next season to encourage the girls and ladies of Ashford and Spelthorne to take up the game of cricket.

Many thanks to everyone who took part in practice or matches for Ashford Ladies this year and especially to Bethan for her administrative and fixture arranging duties. Congratulations to Harry Purser for her excellent personal performance (43) at Normandy which proved decisive in our 21 run victory.