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How Marlborough College is instilling a love of cricket in young girls
At Marlborough College they live and breathe cricket with a long and prestigious history with the game. So when we approached them about the possibility of hosting the inaugural School Notices U13 Girls Cricket Championship, they were instantly keen to create a special day which would help develop a love of the game for the young cricketers taking part. We hear from Marlborough on why cricket is so integral to their culture and what they’re most looking forward to at the Girls’ Cricket Championship.
Why is cricket so important to Marlborough?
With cricket at Marlborough there is a strong emphasis on the mantra ‘better people make better cricketers’. For us, success on the pitch is important, but not at the expense of the spirit of the game and we seek to nurture a healthy respect for the values of cricket. We are passionate about providing the opportunity to play the game to as many pupils as possible and make sure we provide expert support to those who have the talent to go further.
Why Marlborough is the ideal host for cricket:
The College has some of the most scenic grounds in the country, set in the backdrop of the rolling Wiltshire downs. We were delighted to host the 3 Day Women’s Ashes warm up game between Australia & England Academy in 2019 and England Over-50s in 2021 who will return again this summer.
The College is a frequent choice for Wiltshire cricket pathway training and matches. Our beautiful Pavilion, designed by Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse and built in 1874, has recently been refurbished. As well as the XI, there are eight more cricket grounds, 14 artificial nets and two cages on site. There are five indoor nets within the Sports Hall complex and plans are underway for a new eight-lane, fully enclosed, covered training hub facility.
Mark Alleyne
What makes cricket so special for girls at the school?
Girls’ cricket has been running for seven seasons and just under 50 girls currently play. There are three XIs with a vibrant fixture schedule. The girls’ coaching programme is led by Richard Pembroke, Head of Girls Cricket, who is the driving force behind the participation and programme.
Cricket at Marlborough is overseen by old Marlburian Mike Bush, Master-in-charge of Cricket, and by former Gloucestershire all-rounder Mark Alleyne, MBE who is the College’s Cricket Professional. Mark has been key in designing the format of the upcoming School Notices U13 Girls’ Championship and will be providing coaching workshops on the day alongside current England cricketer, Tammy Beaumont, MBE.
Rosie Pembroke
Whilst we look to the future, we are also very proud of the girls who have already come through the cricket programme at the College. Charlotte Bawden made history by becoming the first girl to represent the boys XI in 2015 and she has gone on to play for Surrey U19 and to captain Durham University. Rosie Pembroke made her full Wiltshire debut aged 14, played for the Southern Vipers Academy and now for Durham University. She represented MCC in The Hundred trial match at Lords in 2021 and continues to play for them this season.
What has the future got in store for aspiring young cricketers?
At Marlborough, we know that establishing more tournament opportunities will be an important part in continuing to expand the participation in cricket of girls of all abilities and to help the best have a platform to develop their game. Therefore, we are delighted to be working with School Notices on their new U13 Girls Cricket Championship and know that the event on the 20th May will be an amazing occasion for all involved!
