The History of Hayes Ladies Cricket
The Hayes Hurricanes
In 1995 Emma and Lydia Greenway with Lynsey Askew, (then aged 15, 10 and 9 respectively) together with some friends from school thought it would be a good idea to start a ladies team at Hayes Cricket Club. The first game was against Etchinghill from Folkestone. Hayes were delighted to bowl out Etchinghill for 37 but could only score 29 in reply!! The Hayes team was underway and although the initial years were quite tough in terms of getting teams out and winning matches, the team did improve and become older and stronger.
Quite a few of the girls in 1999/2000 were selected by Kent for age group cricket matches and again with the benefit of professional coaching the standard of play dramatically improved. Most of the girls playing for the current Hayes First Team represent Kent at various age group levels.
In the year 2001 Hayes women's changed their name to Hayes Hurricanes to keep in line with the modern day cricket and to be associated with the county of Kent Spitfires team name. Also in this year Hayes Hurricanes joined National League Division Three and won the division at the first attempt. They also entered the National Knockout Plate and beat Dukesmead (a First Division side) in the final.
In 2002 Hayes Hurricanes currently stand top of Division Two and are hoping to gain promotion to Division One. Again they have reached the semi-final of the National Knockout Cup and are hoping to make the final again!
Hayes Hurricanes also started an under 15 team in 2000 and won the Inaugral Kent Under 15 Team Competition in the same year. The under 15 team have also won this competition in 2002.
At the County Championships at Cambridge from July 27th - July 31st four players (Lynsey Askew, Lydia Greenway, Natalie Lane, Hazel Lovegrove) have been selected for the Kent Senior Side. Greenway and Lane are in the England Under 21 Squad whilst Askew is in the England Under 15 Squad.
The E.C.B. have elected Hayes Hurricanes the Best Development Club in 2002 and the award will be presented at the County Championships at Cambridge. A good effort, considering there are over 300 women's clubs throughout the country.
In September Hayes Hurricanes are arranging an invitation only six a side tournament to include top women's clubs such as Kent Invicta and Brighton and Hove. Black sightscreens, stumps and white balls will be used. Player's favourite records will be played during the matches and there will be commentary on the games. The plan is to make this an annual event and the competition will be sponsored by the Readers