PAIGNTON have used a £600 grant from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust to expand the girls’ section at Queen’s Park.

Women’s and girls’ cricket has been taking place at Paignton since 2016, but has really taken off in the past two seasons.

What started out as a social side at under-15 now forms the nucleus of a women’s team playing in the Devon Women’s League.

The Paignton team, skippered by Charlotte Massey, is currently second behind Sandford in Division Two.

Paignton operate an under-15 side in the Wollens South Devon Youth League and run a side at under-13 level playing softball.

Tim Ward, the Paignton chairman, said with around 50 women and girls registered as members, ladies cricket is thriving.

“In a very short space of time women’s cricket as become a massive part of the club,” said Ward.

“The grant from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust has helped us keep pace with the expansion of a growing section.

“There is always something for our coaches – Nick Harman, Trevor Massey and Neville Brown – to invest in to keep on top of the latest developments.

“This year is the first time we have entered a team in the Devon Women’s League and that has been a fantastic experience so far.

‘One of the spin-offs has been the return of Sunday cricket to the club as we play our women’s games then.

“Building up our ladies section has helped make our club an even bigger part of the local community by attracting lots of new faces down to Queen’s Park.”

The David Shepherd Cricket Trust’s function is to assist the development of youth cricket on an inclusive basis.

Boys and girls, elite players or beginners and special needs cricket teams and organisations can all apply for grants.

The Trust does not give grants for kit or equipment. Coaching, enabling player development and facilitating are their aims.

To apply for a grant visit the David Shepherd Cricket Trust website www.dsct111.org.uk and follow the drop-down tab marked supporting youth cricket.