Cricket’s profile in the region is on the up, thanks to Cumbrian Ben Stokes’ summer heroics, and Carlisle Cricket Club winning the Cumbria League in 2019.

Thanks to the increased interest, Carlisle CC are launching a women’s soft ball cricket team this year.

The brains behind it belong to Sam Richardson, the newly-appointed developing officer at the club.

After setting up a women’s soft ball team in her native Ashington in Northumberland - birthplace of England stars Steve Harmison and Mark Wood - Richardson hopes to do the same in Carlisle.

“As I’d enjoyed my time and made some great friends that I’d never met previously, when I moved to Carlisle, one of my first stops was to Edenside,” said Richardson.

“I discussed with Mark Davidson [Carlisle CC secretary] about joining the team, and was appointed developing officer.

“So, with the help of newly-appointed women’s development and growth manager, Laura Kay, working for Cumbria Cricket Ltd., myself and two other teams are already planning joint-training and league fixtures for the summer.

“Lanercost and Penrith are as keen as I am to get women’s cricket off the ground.”

Soft Ball cricket requires no pads or helmets, with only enthusiasm for the game needed to take part, and is open to women and girls of all ages and ability.

The first indoor session takes place on Wednesday, and anyone interested can email carlislecricketwg@gmail.com for more information.