Women's Cricket

I wrote Women`s Cricket and couldn`t find a category, but it was specifically "Kenilworth Ladies" that came to mind - pre World War 2. My mother Hilda Turner (nee Fanshaw) used to tell me that she played for Kenilworth Ladies, but I think she also represented Warwickshire Ladies. They used to be coached at Edgbaston I think as she mentioned Leslie Croom and Norman Kilner (who was I believe a Yorkshire man - apparently his phrase was "this is the lass as`ll get the wickets" - she was a fast bowler) It was probably around 1935/6, as she told me she went to a "cricket week", I think at a private ground in Colwall (Worcestershire?), I was born in 1935, I was taken along - no carrycots in those days - so was housed in a drawer - which she informed me I fell out off (the mind boggles). My first cricket bat was hers (Gunn and Moore) Anyway, I would love to hear if there are any records or even if Kenilworth Ladies survived the war? Oh I`ve just remembered her captain and car driver was a lady called "Stoney"

I hope someone can help you with this Meanwhile : Leslie Croom and Norman Kilner

From the newspaper archive site Coventry Standard 24th June 1939

You might also find this interesting Esther Shakeshaft

All I can say is "Good God"!!! Miss Annewiggy, my query answered in a matter of minutes - thank you After all these years- this info is gold dust.. I wonder if there are any reports of the matches anywhere - pity the war came and put an end to her career. Again many thanks

Thanks Annewiggy, you are right I do find that interesting, I should have looked at this before I wrote my last reply. Pitty about the writing below the photo, all I could read was were they all called "Miss" Actually, I think that is my Mother on the front row left hand side, but I think the Surnames must have been mentioned. Is it possible to find out from the Leamington Courier. Again many thanks - it`s amazing what`s in the woodwork if you know where to look. Anyway my mother is truly part of a recognised history of Coventry and of Womens Cricket.I`m thrilled

Roger, I am glad the information was of interest to you. I couldn't find anything else about them in the newspaper archive. I can see the names on the article, back row is Stone, Underwood, Reigate, Haynes Maughan and Wright. Front row TURNER, Wetton, Sansome (capt) Esther Shakeshaft. They also say they would be interested to know what happened to the other players, the club phone number is 01926 853872. Perhaps they may have more history of the club.

Thanks Anne - a wise son knows his own mother - even though he was only four at the time - anyway I can confirm she was more than a "Miss"! I notice first on the back row was Stone or "Stoney" she told me about, but I`m afraid I know nothing about any of the others.. Thanks for the phone number, I will give them a ring Why did it take us so long to invent the internet?

Random find - the women's Marks and Spencer Cricket Team played the Women's Woolworth's Cricket Team for a one time only match in the 1930's.