Born in Aberdeen, the 67-time capped Scotland international has been a pillar of consistency for her national side since making her debut against Ireland in the 2014 Six Nations. Her incredible durability saw her start 54 consecutive international matches – a record-breaking streak that only ended in April 2022 due to a wrist injury.

Wassell played a pivotal role in Scotland’s qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup, helping the team secure their first appearance at the tournament since 2010.

Wassell previously represented Loughborough Lightning in the PWR, making 28 appearances for the African Violets before departing earlier this year.

In September 2024, Wassell was diagnosed with a tumour in her chest, which following a subsequent sternotomy meant she had to sit out the 2024/25 PWR season to focus on her rehabilitation. In May 2025, she was named in the Scotland training squad for the Rugby World Cup.

Known for her exceptional work rate and strength at the set-piece, she brings invaluable experience to Trailfinders Women’s pack.

On signing with Trailfinders, Wassell said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Club. It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m really excited to play amongst some incredible players, it seems like a lot of fun down there. The team play a really exciting brand of rugby – and I want a piece of it!

“I’ve had a bit of a rough season to say the least, and I just cannot wait to get back out there playing rugby with some incredible girls. I want to push myself, be challenged with the competition at the club, but also enjoy it.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: “Emma is a world-class operator in the second row. Her experience, consistency, and leadership will be a huge asset to the squad, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.”

With thanks to Trailfinders

Based at Shaftesbury Park, the home of Bristol Bears Women, the Women’s Pathway team convene for their final meeting before the Six Nations Summer Series in Wales this July.

England’s Summer Series fixtures have since been announced by Six Nations, opening against Scotland, then taking on Italy before concluding their campaign against France at CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach.

England U18 Women’s head coach James Cooper joins LJ Lewis and U20 Women’s assistant coach Sarah McKenna for the three-day camp in Frenchay.

In preparation for the Summer Series, England then cross the Severn Bridge to face Wales in an opposed training session this Saturday, playing three 25-minute games behind-closed-doors at the WRU National Centre of Excellence.

The England U20 Women’s squad for July’s Six Nations Summer Series will be named next week, with dates and times to be confirmed in due course.

“This week’s schedule is designed to raise our bond as a team, while switching into a competitive mindset heading into our opening challenge with Scotland in just a few weeks’ time,” LJ Lewis said.

“Preparations for the upcoming Summer Series have been progressing well, and the group are eager for competitive rugby once again. Our meeting against the Springbok Women in April was a fantastic experience for the players and we require the same level of courage on Saturday.”

England U20 Women’s squad for opposed training vs. Wales (includes current club, community club and U20 caps)

Forwards

Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, uncapped)

Joia Bennett (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 6 caps)

Lucy Calladine (c) (Loughborough Lightning, Burton Rugby Football Club, 6 caps)

Grace Clifford (Loughborough Lightning, Horsham Rugby Club, 3 caps)

Lucy Finch (Loughborough Lightning, Newbury RFC, uncapped)

Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, uncapped)

Chloe Flanagan (Saracens, Ampthill RUFC, 7 caps)

Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, uncapped)

Amelia Hyndman (Sale Sharks, Bishop Auckland RUFC, 2 caps)

Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, Worcester RFC, uncapped)

Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, uncapped)

Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 3 caps)

Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, uncapped)

Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, uncapped)

Lucie Sams (Sale Sharks, Kingsbridge RFC, uncapped)

Tyla Shirley (Harlequins, Hove RFC, 5 caps)

Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, uncapped)

Alisha Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, Drybrook RFC, uncapped)

Eryn Sinckler (Hartpury University, uncapped)

Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 7 caps)

Backs

Ashton Adcock (Becky Essex PDG, Loughborough College, Tamworth, uncapped)

Daisy Aspinall (Gloucester-Hartpury, Stafford RFC, uncapped)

Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, uncapped)

Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 4 caps)

Millie David (Bristol Bears, Reading RFC, 5 caps)

Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning, Winscombe RFC, 6 caps)

Sophie Hopkins (Sale Sharks, Fullerians RFC, 4 caps)

Millie Hyett (Gloucester-Hartpury, Evesham RFC, 6 caps)

Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, uncapped)

Molly Luthayi (Loughborough Lightning, Kettering Rugby, uncapped)

Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 5 caps)

Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 5 caps)

Sarah Parry (Harlequins, Newtown Rugby Club, uncapped)

Eva Wood (Sale Sharks, Old Halesonians RFC, uncapped)

England U20 Women’s Six Nations Summer Series fixtures (all fixtures at CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach, Wales)

Saturday 5th July – England vs. Scotland – 18:00 BST

Friday 11th July – Italy vs. England – 13:00 BST

Thursday 17th July – France vs. England – 18:00 BST

With thanks to the RFU

It will run from 23 August to 12 October, in other words in direct competition with the World Cup, also taking place in England (those dates: 22 August – 27 September). Yet the PWR statement claims: “The PWR Cup is back to kick off a memorable season”. Since it starts one day after the World Cup, it won’t, and we may assume the RFU will have every publicity gun aimed directly at the Stadium of Light, as the USA Eagles run out to down English colours.

What effect will that have on games scheduled for the next day at Loughborough, Burton, Cobham and Trailfinders? It’s a worthy decision taking matches away from the usual PWR centres, but will it pull in the crowds? The Leicester Tigers v Loughborough Lightning fixture to be played at Lichfield is very poignant. Lichfield was the club not admitted to the Premier 15s, despite its huge success (England players galore – at least four still in line for the RWC). Leicester linked with the Staffordshire club 40 miles away.

A second statement: “Now firmly established as a cornerstone of the elite women’s rugby calendar…” is confusing. The Cup wasn’t contested last year, so ’firmly’?

I hope a third claim of “fast, fearless rugby” proves true. That has been a prime calling card of the PWR, but we may yet see packs preferring a slow powerful thrust to the line, and scrum-halves following Ella Wyrwas’ expert coaching session on the box-kick – the surest way to bring the game to a halt.

Fair shares for all

One ongoing difficulty facing the RFU and PWR is how to ensure every player on a club’s books gets a fair crack of the whip. Dual accreditation has been used, but that provides its own range of problems, including the distance between the two clubs involved, and the willingness of individuals to make way for a part-time incomer. Only 23 are involved directly in each round of the league, leaving vast numbers unemployed.

Clubs have been busy establishing links with local junior clubs. New breaks today of Loughborough strengthening its ties with Buckingham Swans. Both head coaches point to the advantages they bring their club.

This lack of game-time was a major reason for introducing the Cup. After it vanished last year, it reappears just in time to clash with a much bigger event.

32 Red Roses will be otherwise engaged, plus an untold number of players representing other nations. Since clubs are announcing almost daily comings and goings, it’s impossible to put an exact number on them, but it will come to many dozens. Loughborough reckon around 30 on their own books.

The ones who matter most are we must now call ‘next-gen’ (the term preferred by the gentleman who dreamt up both cricket’s Hundred and “The Prem” – I missed my true calling). This is where the league has been doing a fine job, unearthing more and more young talent.

Standalone?

The scheduling calls into question the amount of public engagement the Cup can draw. It means it has to ride on the back of the RWC as worldwide attention is drawn to the women’s game. It’s a big ask. There is such a thing as saturation point. The RWC offers twenty-four pool games, before we get to the nitty-gritty of the knock-out stages. How much energy will fans have left over to enjoy the PWR Cup?

The claim is, the Cup will give PWR clubs “the chance to further strengthen their ties to local grassroots clubs and their fans”. A laudable target, but set directly against such competition?

What effect will that opening day at Sunderland have on games scheduled for the next day at Loughborough, Burton, Cobham and Trailfinders? Can they pull in the crowds?

Fixture-setting

Once again the reduction of the league to nine clubs brings unwanted complications. It’s normal for preliminary stages to divide into pools, but in this case it means Pool A contains four clubs (Gloucester-Hartpury, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs and Trailfinders) and Pool B five (Saracens, Bristol Bears, Loughborough Lightning, Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks). I’ll leave you to decide which version is preferable, but the imbalance is disturbing.

So too the dates and timings. There is no regularity that allows spectators to be sure on which day a local game is starting and when. Some take place on a Saturday, others a Sunday. Matches kick off between noon and 15.00. On four consecutive Saturdays there are four, two, two and one games.

The statement claims the tournament is fan-based. I suspect most fans, rather like commuters, prefer a regular schedule that is easy to remember.

Nor is it clear what ‘Sunday 24 August Saturday 30 August’ means on the published fixture-list. And again: “The ninth team were drawn into the pools randomly to determine which pool had the make-up of five teams.” (?) Shaftesbury Park needs an E in the middle.

We must hope that the Cup proves a success, as it presents a real chance for players normally excluded from the big time to make their mark.

A modern back-row player, Malcolm is known for her relentless work rate, defensive prowess, and exceptional leadership on and off the field.

Born in Glasgow, Malcolm previously represented Scotland in hockey at U17, U18, and U21 levels before switching to rugby in her mid-twenties.

Quickly rising through the ranks, Malcolm made her Scotland debut in a 2016 Rugby World Cup qualifier against Spain, before earning her first start in the 2017 Six Nations. Since then, she has amassed 56 international caps, having also captain the side since 2020. Hailed as one of the “great Scotland captains”, she has been a driving force for her nation ever since.

At club level, Malcolm recently departed Loughborough Lightning, having represented the side since their inaugural Premier 15s season in 2017/18. She made 67 appearances for the club and played her final match against Trailfinders at Franklin’s Gardens in February.

Towards the end of her time at Loughborough, she combined her playing career with a player-coach role, assisting head coach Nathan Smith in developing the next generation of talent.

On signing for Trailfinders Women, Malcolm said: “I’m super excited for a new experience down in London. This move had to be right for me as a person as well as a rugby player. I wanted to go somewhere where I can challenge myself and strive to be the best player I can be.

“The exciting group of players that have been put together is one I’m excited to learn from, and hopefully one that I can add too as well.”

Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: “Rachel brings immense leadership, experience, and a tireless work ethic. She is a fantastic addition to our squad, and we are excited to see the impact she will have.”

Watched before 3537 spectators, Surrey women collected their sixth win from a ‘last-ball thriller.’ Match came down-to-the-wire as Paige Scholfield partnered by Alice Davidson-Richards ‘A-DR’ tackled Surrey women’s deficit until ‘A-DR’ scored the winning ‘two’ for a ‘knife-edge’ win that could have gone either way. Batting first, Hawks women’s opening partnership between England’s Maia Bouchier and guest Australian Charli Knott (playing her penultimate match) banked 57 runs. Charli Knott went on to score ‘fifty’ with her best T20 score for Hawks women [ 74*not out(from 61 balls)] and had felt that Hawks had ‘momentum’ to win. Please see post match interview  ‘Charli Knott disappointed (to lose) from the final ball.’ Abi Norgrove (England u19s) played a cameo 24*not out (from ten balls) to chalk-up Hawks’ half-decent score. In contrast, although both teams ‘power-play’ scores were level-pegging, Surrey women carried three wickets’ disadvantage. Separately, England’s Alice Capsey was known to have passed her 3000 runs milestone (from 156 matches played-to-date). Surrey women’s key partnership between Danni Wyatt-Hodge and guest Australian Grace Harris added a vital 66. Commentators: Cameron ‘Cam’ Ponsonby with Katya Whitney plus pitch-side presenter. Weather fine afternoon mainly with blue sky and light breeze, comfortable 22C.

Hawks women wearing full-backed and half-fronted striped yellow tops and yellow batting pads over navy blue; *skipper Georgia Adams *[Kira Chathli keeping wicket for Surrey]; *with international player Charli Knott (Australia ‘A’), *also with Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier & Linsey Smith (England), Daisy Gibb, Freya Kemp, Abi Norgrove & Mary Taylor; *without Ella McCaughan, Freya Davies or Bex Tyson; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 32/0; *Maia Bouchier was caught at ‘short third’ by Bryony Smith, from Alice Capsey;  *61/1 by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Freya Kemp was caught at ‘long-on’ to the left-hander by Phoebe Franklin, from Danni Gregory coming round-the-wicket, *Georgia Adams was caught  by Phoebe Franklin, from Danni Gregory; *Rhianna Southby, was caught ‘long-on’ by Alice Davidson-Richards, from Kalea Moore; *Charli Knott and Abi Norgrove were undefeated; Hawks women batting:  Charli Knott74*not out(61),  Maia Bouchier33(25), Abi Norgrove 24*not out(10), Rhianna Southby10(8);Surrey women bowling:  Danni Gregory 2/22, Kalea Moore 1/23, Alice Capsey 1/24;

Surrey women wearing light-blue tops over black with black helmets; *skipper Bryony Smith;  *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Essex] *with international player Grace Harris (Australia) *with Alice Capsey, Alice Davidson-Richards, Phoebe Franklin & Kalea Moore *without Sophia Dunkley; *Missing a ‘swipe,’ Bryony Smith, was caught aerial at ‘mid-off’ by Georgia Adams, from Linsey Smith; *Alice Capsey was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Charli Knott, from Lauren Bell; *Kira Chathli was caught at ‘point’ by Abi Norgrovie, from Daisy Gibb; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 38/3 (vs 32/0) & 75/3 (vs 61/1) by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Grace Harris was caught at ‘long-on’ by Charli Knott from Mary Taylor; *Danni Wyatt-Hodge was caught at ‘backward square’ by Linsey Smith from Mary Taylor; *Paige Scholfield and Alice Davidson-Richards were undefeated; Surrey women batting: Danni Wyatt-Hodge 65(40), Paige Scholfield 30*not out(21), Alice Davidson-Richards 23*not out(19), Grace Harris 17(19); Hawks women bowling: Mary Taylor 2/19, Daisy Gibb  1/22, Lauren Bell 1/25, Linsey Smith 1/38;

Match result: Surrey (women) 156/5(@7.9 runs-per-over, from 19.4/20 overs/target 156 from 20/20 overs) beat Hampshire Hawks (women) 155/4 (@7.7 r-p-o from 20/20ov ) by five wickets with two balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m46fedcc0-12e9-49c3-82ce-355353db6ba8

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225315 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/hampshire-hawks-women-v-surrey-women/scorecard/d123e557-6982-5bd5-80a2-6c90f19de25a

*Edited Highlights ‘Down to the wire…’ courtesy of ECB & Hampshire Cricket (nv play) via YouTube<09m44s>@url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uliivWd25zU & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEdXJrEGYrI

*Post match interview: ‘Charli Knott disappointed not to get the win against Surrey; [by Kevan ‘Kev’ James BBC (Sport)] courtesy of  Hampshire Cricket via YouTube [05m01s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54uXBDKVD1g

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Footnote: actual match photo

Second-row Grace Keel has previously played her ACE rugby at SGS College, having also played at North Bristol RFC and was part of the Nolli Waterman Player Development Group. She has also represented England U18s.

Back-row Joy Okechukwu was part of the Rachael Burford Player Development Group, having come through the ranks at Havant RFC. She is also an England U18 international and will look to continue to develop and impress within the Harlequins Women’s environment.

Women’s Pathway Manager Pat Metcalfe Jones said: “We were really impressed with both Grace and Joy’s performances in the U18s Six Nations and are excited to see them step up into the senior game. Both players showed great physicality and I am confident they will add value to our senior training environment. It’s a testament to pathway at Harlequins, that they have chosen to pursue the next stage of their development with us.”

With thanks to Harlequins

Commentators described a ‘good match’ in which Surrey collected their fifth win.Essex women were ‘disappointed’ with nothing for hard lines, pointing to fielding standards that were ‘allowed to slip.’ In contrast, Surrey women took a couple of spectacular catches. Close Umpire scrutiny followed after Danni Wyatt-Hodge stepped back inside the ropes to complete her catch to send Cordelia Griffith back to the hutch, first ball. One explanation for such close scrutiny was that new ICC rule-changes concerning permissible boundary catches are expected to be announced soon. Between innings, home-team commentators gave Surrey women ‘clear’ advantage, but then lost two quick wickets during their ‘power-play’ to Esmae MacGregor’s ‘golden arm:’ that took Bryony Smith’s and Alice Capsey’s wickets with successive balls. Top-scorer Kira Chathli – pictured [40 runs(from 34 balls)] partnered by guest Australian Grace Harris31(17) who was ’not far behind.’ Separately, Grace Harris earlier took 3 wickets and provided entertainment by hitting an ‘absolutely huge six.’ Psychological pressure mounted when Essex keeper Lauren Winfield-Hill situated her stance close-up to the stumps when facing seam bowlers. Alice Davidson-Richards ‘A-DR’ and Phoebe Franklin seemed unfazed. A-DR saw Surrey home without further loss, scoring the winning ‘four’ from a ‘reverse ramp.’  Home-team commentators were Guy Swindells and Toby Reynolds.

Essex women wearing full-fronted red, full-backed mauve over sleeveless navy blue; *skipper Grace Scrivens (‘England ‘A’); *[Kia Chathli keeping wicket for Surrey]; *with international player Madeline ‘Maddie’ Penna (Australia); *with Cordelia Griffith & Esmae MacGregor & Abtaha Maqsood (Scotland),*without Jodi Grewcock or Flo Miller; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 52/0 & 82/1 by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Grace Scrivens was caught at ‘cover’ by Grace Harris, from Dani Gregory coming round-the-wicket to the left-hander; *Playing a ‘reverse-sweep’ next over, Lauren Winfield-Hill was caught at ’short-fine’ by Tilly Corteen-Coleman from spinner Grace Harris; *Mis-timing a ‘sweep’ Lissy MacLeod, was bowled by Tash Farrant; *Next ball Cordelia Griffith, was caught at ‘deep-mid-wicket by Danni Wyatt-Hodge (who returned inside the boundary rope – as mentioned above) for a ‘golden duck,’ from Tash Farrant; *Maddie Penna was was caught at ‘deep mid-on ‘by ADR from Tash Farrant;  *Two wickets fell during Grace Harris’ death over; *Firstly Jo Gardner lobbed a ‘dolly’ return-catch to bowler Grace Harris; *Two balls later, Eva Gray went for a ‘carbon-copy’ dismissal; Essex  women batting: Grace Scrivens39(29), Lauren Winfield-Hill36(31), Maddie Penna27(25), Lissy MacLeod15(21); Surrey  women bowling: Tash Farrant 3/20, Grace Harris 3/26,  Dani Gregory 17/1;

Surrey women wearing light-blue tops over black with black helmets; *skipper Bryony Smith;  *[Lauren Winfield-Hill keeping wicket for Essex] *with international player Grace Harris (Australia) *with Alice Capsey, Alice Davidson-Richards (England), Phoebe Franklin & Kalea Moore *without Sophia Dunkley, Paige Scholfield or Alexa Stonehouse; *Chopping-on from an inside edge, Bryony Smith, was bowled by Esmae MacGregor; *Next ball, Alice Capsey was caught-and-bowled by diving seamer Esmae MacGregor, for a ‘golden duck’; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 39/2 (vs 49/2) & 67/2 (vs 82/1) by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs);*Mis-timed swipe, Danni Wyatt-Hodge was caught at ‘mid-off’ by Maddie Penna, from Abtaha Maqsood; *Top-scorer Kira Chathli was caught at ‘short-fine’ by Lissy MacLeod, from left-armed spinner Sophia Smale; *Grace Harris was caught at ‘point’ by Kate Coppack, from Esmae MacGregor; Surrey women batting: Kira Chathli40(34), Grace Harris31(17), Bryony Smith26(16), Danni Wyatt-Hodge21(22) Alice Davidson-Richards19*not out(13)  PhoebeFranklin10*not out(8); Essex women bowling: Esmae MacGregor 3/33, Abtaha Maqsood 1/22, Sophia Smale 1/33;

Match result: Surrey (women) 150/5 (8.1 runs-per-over, from 18.3/20 overs/target 149 from 20/20 overs) beat Essex (women) 148/7 (@7.4 r-p-o from 20/20ov ) by five wickets with nine balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#m2606bd54-97ed-405e-8520-3c4d258de40f

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225313 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/essex-women-v-surrey-women/scorecard/b55c7e3c-4158-5ee7-a21e-20f44c4dc60a

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of EssexCricket (nv play) via YouTube [02h59m58s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfoK-Feutnw

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

Introducing the match, Thunder had bagged the silverware so far, beating Surrey who were ‘looking to go one better’ by seeking they seventh ‘Vitality Blast’ win. Following a dramatic ‘power-play’ when Surrey women lost their first three wickets for 17 runs, Paige Schofield and guest Australian Grace Harris (who made ‘fifty’ in 28 balls) mounted a fifth-wicket stand of 69. By comparison, Thunder women also lost three wickets cheaply, with recovery partnership worth 70 runs between Emma Lamb who made ‘fifty’ with Ellie Threlkeld. As commentators pointed out, no other Thunder women batters scored into double-figures, so Thunder women fell at least fifty runs short of their target. Best bowler Ryana Macdonald-Gay (pictured) chalked-up a ‘4-fer’ [taking 4 wickets/conceding 14 runs] for Surrey women. Ryana Macdonald-Gay also took a ‘double-wicket maiden’ with two wickets coming from her final match-winning over. Commentators were Cameron ‘Cam’ Ponsonby (Sports journalist) with former player Kirstie White (Invincibles & SE Stars.) Also with Paige Scholfield interviewed pitch-side. Coverage supported ‘Pride’ day with symbolic displays of rainbow-coloured fireworks. ‘Boiling hot’ sunny day 26C

Surrey women wearing light-blue tops over black with black helmets; *skipper Bryony Smith; *[Ellie Threlkeld keeping wicket for Thunder] *with international player Grace Harris (Australia) *with Sophia Dunkley, Alice Davidson-Richards, Phoebe Franklin & Tilly Corteen-Coleman *without Alice Capsey, Danni Gregory  & Kalea Moore; *Bryony Smith, was bowled ‘middle-and-leg’ by left-armed spinner Sophie Morris; *Mistiming a ‘swing,’ Sophia Dunkley played-on from an inside-edge, ‘off-stump’ bowled by Tara Norris; *Kira Chathli was ’run out’ by Fi Morris throw to keeper Ellie Threlkeld; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 50/3 & 84/4 by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs); *Advancing down-the-wicket, Danni Wyatt-Hodge was stumped by Ellie Threlkeld, from Sophie Morris; *Grace Harris was caught at ‘mid-wicket’ by Alana King, from Kate Cross; *Paige Scholfield was caught at ‘cover’ by Tara Norris, from Emma Lamb coming round-the-wicket’; *Phoebe Franklin was caught ‘at extra cover’ by Ailsa Lister from Alana King; *Alice Davidson-Richards was caught at ‘deep-mid-wicket’ by Kate Cross, from Grace Johnson; *Ryana Macdonald-Gay was slow to set-off and ’run out’ by Fi Morris throw to keeper Ellie Threlkeld at the striker’s end; *Tash Farrant was undefeated; Surrey women batting: Grace Harris 57(31), Paige Scholfield 37(25), Alice Davidson-Richards 17(15), Tash Farrant 13*not out(7), Danni Wyatt-Hodge 12(12), Phoebe Franklin 11(8), Sophia Dunkley 10(9); Thunder women bowling: Sophie Morris 2/38, Emma Lamb 1/8, Grace Johnson 1/24, Alana King 1/25, Kate Cross 1/35, Tara Norris 1/41;

Thunder women wearing rose-red with thin dark blue shards; *skipper Ellie Threlkeld; *[Kira Chathli keeping wicket for Surrey]; *International player Alana King (Australia);*with Ailsa Lister(Scotland) *without Sophie Ecclestone;*Left-handed Eve Jones went ‘leg-before’ to left-armed Tilly Corteen-Coleman;  *Seren Smale was bowled by Tilly Corteen-Coleman; *Next over Fi Morris was caught by keeper Kira Chathli from Ryana Macdonald-Gay; *After 6 overs ‘power-play’ 32/3(vs 50/3); & 64/3 (vs 84/4) by ‘mid-way’ (after 10 overs);  *Ellie Threlkeld was stumped by fellow keeper Kira Chathli from Phoebe Franklin; *Short of a third run, Ailsa Lister was ’run out’ by Phoebe Franklin’s throw via Ryana Macdonald-Gay to keeper at the striker’s end, from Tash Farrant; *Mis-timing a ‘ramp,’ Emma Lamb was bowled by Ryana Macdonald-Gay; *Alana King was caught at ‘cover’ by Paige Scholfield, from Phoebe Franklin; *Four balls later Tara Norris was caught at ‘extra cover’ by Tash Farrant, from seamer Phoebe Franklin coming round-the-wicket; *Kate Cross was caught  at ‘cover’ by Paige Scholfield from Ryana Macdonald-Gay; *Finally two balls later, Sophie Morris was bowled with her middle stump flattened for a second-ball ‘duck,’ from Ryana Macdonald-Gay; Thunder women batting: Emma Lamb 64(46); Ellie Threlkeld 32(27); Surrey women bowling: Ryana Macdonald-Gay 4/14,  Phoebe Franklin 3/19, Tilly Corteen-Coleman 2/21;

Match result: Surrey (women) 171/9 (@8.5 runs-per-over, from 20/20 overs) beat Lancashire Thunder (women) 118/10 (6.7 r-p-o from 17.3/20ov /target 172 from 20/20 overs) by 53 runs with nine balls remaining

*Scorecard with video highlights, courtesy of ECB via nv play at url: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/?tab=m_summary#maa598796-b8cc-411c-aeb9-7883ad49c702

*BBC Sport @url: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-225317 & SKY Sports@url: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/surrey-women-v-lancashire-thunder/scorecard/24f63b55-b002-5dc9-beec-cbd52e91a484

*Full match free-to-air, courtesy of EssexCricket (nv play) via YouTube [03h01m05s] @url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xijCVoBkcIA

*Upcoming League one fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-blast-fixtures-for-season-2025/

*Upcoming League two fixtures @url http://4theloveofsport.co.uk/2024/11/27/vitality-cup-league-two-fixtures-for-season-2025/

From building resilience to nurturing life skills, school sport is far more than just a physical activity, it’s a foundation for healthier and happier futures.

Alex Lovén MBE, founder of sport and training equipment platform Net World Sports, explains the importance of encouraging children to get involved in school sports and why the correct equipment matters:

Improves self-esteem

Taking part in school sports gives children a sense of achievement, helping them build confidence as they develop new skills and reach personal goals.

Whether it’s scoring a goal, improving their time on a race, or simply taking part in team activities, no matter how big or small, every success can boost a child’s self-worth. Feeling valued by teammates and recognised by teachers also helps to reinforce a positive self-image.

Inspires teamwork and leadership skills

Sport is one of the most effective ways for children to learn how to work together towards a common goal. It teaches them to listen, communicate, compromise, and support each other, which are essential foundations for both teamwork and leadership.

Taking turns as captains or decision-makers helps children learn how to lead with fairness and responsibility, skills they will likely carry into the classroom and beyond.

Encourages healthy habits

Regular physical activity sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy living. Children who take part in school sports are more likely to stay active outside of school, choose nutritious foods to fuel performance, and value the importance of movement for both physical and mental health.

Early exposure to exercise in a fun, structured way builds positive associations that can last well into adulthood.

Reduces stress

Exercise is a proven way to reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood. School sports offer children a healthy outlet to unwind, release energy, and cope with academic pressure.

The endorphins released during physical activity act as natural stress relievers, while the structured nature of sport provides a break from screen time and school work. This helps create space for emotional balance.

Helps with concentration

Physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, focus and academic performance. Participating in sport helps children develop discipline, time management, and mental stigma, all of which support better concentration in the classroom.

Movement also increases blood flow to the brain, sharpening thinking and memory skills.

Develops social skills and being part of a community

Being part of a school sports team or club helps children build friendships, understand different perspectives and learn the value of fair play. For many children, sport becomes a safe and supportive environment where they feel seen and included.

This sense of belonging and community is vital to their overall well-being and helps them grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

Why the right equipment matters

One overlooked element of successful school sport is using age appropriate equipment. It may seem like a small detail, but choosing the right ball size, racket, or goalpost can make a significant difference in how children learn, enjoy and stay safe in sports.

Technique and skill development

When equipment is too big or heavy, it can prevent children from learning proper techniques. For instance, using a full-size football with young children can lead to poor kicking habits or difficulty controlling the ball.

Similarly, an adult tennis racket may be too unmanageable for a child to swing effectively, affecting both confidence and skill progression.

Injury prevention

Oversized or unsuitable equipment can increase the risk of strain and injury. For example, shooting into a basketball hoop that is too high can place unnecessary stress on joints and lead to poor jumping form.

Lightweight and correctly sized gear allows children to move naturally and safely as they grow.

Boosts confidence and enjoyment

When sports feels too difficult, children are likely to be discouraged or give up. If a tennis ball bounces too high, or a net is unreachable, the game becomes frustrating rather than fun.

The right equipment makes sport more engaging and rewarding, encouraging children to keep playing and improving.

With thanks to Net World Sports

It was reported by some of the players that the lawns at Nottingham Croquet Club were in great playing conditions, creating a competitive playing field for all the competitors.  Using Quadway hoops which are designed to be firm and tough to score, both Jenny Clarke and James Death (Nottingham Croquet Club) showed championship form.  It was reported that their standard was higher than the other competitors throughout the entire event.

Both Jenny and James have played for their country in the AC World Team Championship, New Zealand and England respectively.  If their form continues we are likely to see them compete in their teams once again when the prestigious MacRobertson Shield returns to England in 2026.

The Men’s, Women’s & Mixed doubles also has a mixed event, the Du Pre.  This year Ian Lines (Peterborough Croquet Club) took one of Croquet’s most beautiful trophies home winning the event with 100% wins.

With thanks to Croquet England