Heavy rain and even the odd bit of hail didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of around 30 girls aged six to 16 who took part in the South Devon Youth Cricket League’s inaugural girls’ cricket festival at Bovey Tracey CC.

The informal nature of the event failed to blunt the competitiveness of the teams who displayed a good level of skill and commitment to play on despite adverse weather and ground conditions.

Games between teams from Ipplepen, Chagford and Paignton Cricket clubs were followed by a ‘mix and match’ round of games, with players of different ages and from different clubs combining to form teams.

With fewer players than expected able to participate, there was even room for a couple of mums to join one of the teams!

The South Devon Youth Cricket League is the only regional cricket league in the south west to run a separate girls’ hardball competition, and the number of players and teams filtering into club cricket has grown significantly in recent years.

League chairman Chris Partridge said: ‘This year we are running girls’ leagues at U13s and U15s as well as a series of kwik cricket festivals for girls of all ages.’