Great Chart Ladies Cricket Club

Prior to the 3rd match of England Women's IT20 series against New Zealand in July 2024, Shirley Taylor, who spent much of her life involved with women's cricket shared some of her memories with Ash-with-Westmarsh Parish magazine.

“I lived in Ash from 1975-1977 whilst a student at Nonington College of Physical Education. Whilst there I learnt to play cricket. NCPE students were often recruited by the nearest women’s club, Great Chart, to make up their team for weekend matches. 

“Despite records going back two centuries testifying to women’s participation in the game, it was still something of a novelty to many people. There were just three women’s clubs in Kent and these contributed players to make up the County 1st and 2nd XIs. Beyond county level there were Territorial sides as well as Junior, Young and Full England teams. The game was completely amateur and Representative players had to fund their own travel, accommodation and kit arrangements for training and competing. 

“As a player, I was and remained a club rabbit, but gained some experience of international cricket whilst acting as a nanny to my friend and club mate, June Edney, after the birth of her first child because I felt it was unfair that she should have to give up her international cricket career. June acquired a camper van and collected me from work on a Friday and we would set off to training/ selection weekends all over the country. 

“The Women’s Cricket Association held an annual Cricket Week in Colwall, Worcestershire. This event began in 1926. The first year that I went, there were 14 teams each captained by a current England or Australian International with county, club and novice players distributed evenly across them. It was a rare opportunity for club cricketers to get the chance to play with or against players from the current England team. From events like this and hosting overseas players in our houses we formed friendships nationally and internationally. 

“In 1993, before the term had been invented, I took a gap year, and bought a round-the-world air ticket. Whilst staying with a cricketer in Australia I heard her remark that she might apply for the Aussie manager’s job next time there was a vacancy. I thought to myself, “I could do that”. On my return to the UK some six months later, the England manager’s job was advertised and the first two overseas commitments were for a tour and then a World Cup in India. I loved India and wanted to take people there… It had my name written all over it. 

“Although still largely self-funded, England’s World Cup success at Lord’s in 1993 had brought greater interest and funding into the game. We had some welcome support from the Sports Science department at the University of Brighton, but players still had to contribute towards tour expenses and the support team consisted of myself, a coach and a physiotherapist. Sport England declined to provide any funding unless one body was responsible for administering all cricket.

“On our first tour to India conditions were tough. With only 3 staff and a squad of 14 players, everyone had to work hard. The WCA of India was also an Amateur Association and had had to fund raise to host us. Dinner was usually out from the hotel at a function sponsored by a local dignitary. After a full day’s training competing or travelling it was a big ask to put on formal clothing and smile for England. Volunteers in the UK stayed up all hours to receive match reports and score sheets from me via a telex bureau. They then forwarded them to all the national papers but we were lucky if more than two carried a paragraph. Players had to take turns to sort out the laundry, and travel conditions were far from perfect. One time we were fogbound in Delhi Airport until late evening, when we were due to take the field in Chennai for a Test Match the following day. 

“Twelve months later, after the WCA was sold to the ECB in 1996 for £1, the funding and support for elite players improved. We went to the World Cup with the luxury of a press officer accompanying us, as well as a journalist Pete Davies who was writing a book “Mad Dogs and English Women" which tells of all our exploits. 

“Over the next two years, we hosted home tours against Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Players were better supported and funded but still amateurs and many of the older ones had difficulty in getting released from their professional commitments to represent England at Cricket. I am delighted for the current crop that they can seriously consider a career in professional cricket with opportunities in marketing, media, coaching and umpiring at the end of it for those who make the grade. 

“After four years I decided to go back into full time teaching. Since that time England Women’s Cricket has become much better funded and promoted. My favourite form of cricket is still the declaration game which is what we played at 2pm every Saturday and Sunday of my youth. Overs cricket was in its infancy and coloured kit an outrage! Whilst I enjoy all formats of the modern game, I find it hard to get excited about Franchise Cricket. With no geographic or territorial representation, I do not know who to support. 

“I would not change my history in the women’s game except of course to have been good enough to be selected for higher teams. It was a fabulous era and has left me with national and global friendships with some amazing cricketers.”

Shirley Taylor 

Taken from an article which first appeared in the Ash-with-Westmarsh Parish magazine for June 2024.

https://kentcricketheritagetrust.wordpress.com/2024/06/06/a-cricketers-life/

In 1949 the Toke-Nichols of Chart House donated a bat and ball, these we then awarded as trophies for the best batting and bowling averages

1976

12 members, an umpire and a scorer. 12 matches arranged; 3 won, 3 drawn, 3 lost and 3 cancelled. Five members attended senior trials, two got into the 1st XI, one into 2nd XI and one named reserve. Pat Sheringham topped batting averages with 71.50 and Dis the bowling avg. Jean Ifield’s best bowling performance was 7-15. Three members attended Cricket Week.

1977

13 Members, 1 junior member, an umpire and a scorer. 17 matches were arranged and 3 won, 5 drawn and 3 lost. 1 abandoned and 5 cancelled. One all-day game was played for the first time in the history of the club. 3 members attended County trials; 1 selected for 1st XI and 2 for 2nd XI.

Audrey Disbury topped the batting averages and Jean Ifield had the best bowling average, taking 8 for 10 in one match. June Law was selected young England wicketkeeper and also named as reserve for England world cup squad.

1978

We have 14 members, an umpire and a scorer. Fourteen matches were arranged for the season, we won 4, lost 4, drew 2 and 4 were cancelled. We entered the Knock-out competition losing to Brighton & Hove in the first round, and we also took part in the Kent Nomads 6-a-side tournament. Some of our members had not played 6-a-side cricket before and they all enjoyed the tournament very much. Thank you to Kent Nomads.

Five members attended County trials, June Edny (nee Law) and Penny Darlington being selected for the 1st XI, Rose Chisholm and Nan Haggerty for the 2nd XI and Jane Gilbert named as a reserve. June Edney was also selected for the Young England XI.

We were pleased to have a Kent fixture in our area and the Kent v Middlesex game at Sellindge received almost 100% support from the club. Four members attended cricket week.

June Edny came top of the batting with an average of 20, Rose Chisholm was runner-up with 17.57. Rose had the best bowling average, taking 22 wickets for 111 average 5.07, closely followed by Penny Darlington who took 27 wickets for 154 average 5.71. Rose took 6 for 10 against Invicta and Penny took 7 for 4 against Nonington college.

1979

We have 14 members, 1 Junior, an umpire and a scorer. Eleven matches were played; we won three, lost two, and drew six. We were unsuccessful in the knock-out competition, but will try again in 1980. In Kent Nomads 6-a-side tournament we were runners up on points, and we also took part in the Dukesmead tournament.

Four members attended County trials, June Edney and Nan Haggerty were selected for the 1st XI, Penny Darlington and Rose Chisholm for the 2nd XI with Penny and Rose selected as Captain and Vice-Captain. June was selected for Young England v the West Indies.

During the visit of the West Indies touring team members helped at the Maidstone fixture and at the Canterbury game. Five members attended cricket week. At the end of the season six members spent a day painting the great chart cricket pavilion, ending with a cooked supper in the pavilion.

June Edney came top of the batting, with an average of 27, Jean Ifield was runner-up with 22. Jean hit 84 not out against Dartford 2nd XI. Rose Chisholm had the best bowling average, taking 17 for an average of 6.2, followed by Penny Darlington, who took 26 wickets for an average 9.5. Penny took 6 for 20 against Dartford 2nd XI.

1980

We have fourteen members, one junior, an umpire and a scorer. Fourteen matches were arranged; we played eight, won five, drew one, lost two and six were cancelled for weather, etc. We also took part in the Kent nomads six-a-side tournament. In the knock-out competition we travelled to Yorkshire for the quarter-finals, but lost to North Riding in a close and exciting game.

Six members attended County trials, June Edney being selected for the 1st XI, and Penny Darlington, Nan Haggerty and Janet Lees for the 2nd XI. Penny was elected 2nd XI Captain.

We undertook the organisation of the Kent double wicket competition, which was held this year at Nonington. Five members attended cricket week.

Annette Robins came top of the batting average with 22; she hit 50 not out against Invicta. Julie Revell was runner up with an average of 19. Judy had the best bowling average, taking 24 wickets for an average of 4.8, followed by Maria Burton who took 12 wickets for an average of 11.6. Judy’s best performance was 6 for 11 against Dukesmead.

We were pleased to learn that June Edney had been selected for the Young England touring team to India and we should like to take this opportunity of wishing her and also Angela Bainbridge a happy and successful tour.

Looking forward to next season, we have started nets at Canterbury and several juniors will be joining the club.

1981

Membership was one less than last year at thirteen with one junior and our umpire and scorer. Fourteen matches were arranged for the season; we won three, drew six and lost one. In two of the drawn games the scores were level at close of play. Four matches were cancelled. In addition, we entered the knock-out competition but lost to Wallington; we also played in the Dukesmead and Kent Nomads six-a-side tournaments. Four members attended cricket week.

Five members attended County trials, three being selected for the 1st XI and 2 for the 2nd XI. Nan Haggerty was elected captain of the 2nd XI.

June Edney has been named as a reserve for the England squad for the World Cup competition in the new year. If she does not go to New Zealand we will still have a representative there as 'Dis' has been appointed manager.

We were happy to be able to organise the double wicket competition on our own ground this year, and we hope that the competitors enjoyed the day as much as we did.

June Edney was top of our batting average with 52.75 and Nan Haggerty had the best bowling average. Judy Revell had a good season, being second in the batting average and third in bowling. Judy has now commenced her studies for a new career and we shall miss her, as she has worked hard for the club both on and off the field.

Winter nets will start again shortly at canterbury. Membership could prove to be a problem next season unless we find one or two players. Unfortunately, there are no cricket playing schools in our part of Kent. To remedy this Nan Haggerty has written to schools in a wide area, with a view to organising a winter course for juniors on cricket appreciation and coaching. only one reply was received on behalf of four girls.

1982

This season was a busy and enjoyable one. Membership increased, we were able to have more matches, team spirit was high and the weather was kind to us. We have sixteen full playing members, several casual players, an umpire and scorer. Seventeen, matches were arranged. We won two, drew five, lost six, one was abandoned and three were cancelled. We also entered the National knock-out competition and played Dukesmead and Kent six-a-side tournaments. Once again we were happy to organise the Ket Double Wicket competition held at Great Chart.

Four members attended County trials. June Edney was selected for the 1^st XI and Maria Burton, Nan Haggerty and Janet Lees for the 2^nd XI. Four members attended Cricket Week.

Annette Robins came top of the batting averages and Jenny Humphries topped the bowling. The average show good individual performances, but the most pleasing aspect this year is that both the batting and bowling lists contain more names than usual, with nine members making highest scores of 30 and over.

The highlight of our season was the match with the Dutch Women’s Cricket team. All members played a part in the organisation of this event and the result was a most enjoyable day. Over 300 runs were scored during the afternoon and the winning run was hit by the Dutch in the penultimate over. We had good newspaper coverage, which attracted some spectators, and gained us a new ‘beginner’ member for next season. The club also supported the Kent and Young England matches at Canterbury.

In preparation for next season we have started winter nets at Canterbury. We are looking forward to the Kent Golden Jubilee year, and we extend good wishes to the Kent team and officials for a happy and successful tour in New Zealand.

1983

1983 was a busy season and a happy ne. We played thirteen matches, won five, drew four and lost four. Our fixture list was the most ambitious yet in terms of travel and new opponents, but there were seven cancellations for rain in the early and latter part of the season. We also played in the Kent Indoor and Outdoor 6-a-side tournaments, and held a club Double Wicket competition.

Membership remained constant – fifteen full playing member, one junior and five casual members, plus an umpire and scorer. Five members attended County trials, with June Edney and Maria Burton selected for the 1^st XI and Janet Lees, Nan Haggerty and Lyn Oldham for the 2^nd XI. June also played in England representative games. Five members attended Cricket Week.

Judy Revell had a good season, coming top of the batting average and second in the bowling. Jenny Humphries topped the bowling averages and Jayne Watley received the cup for ‘most improved fielder’. A new trophy, the Fellowship Award, judged by the captain was presented to Marjorie Brissenden.

Club members supported County games, the representative match at Hastings, Golden Jubilee week and the National Knock-out Final. The Great Chart picnic was held on several of these occasions. A new venture this year was a match with Great Chart men’s club; the game, which resulted in an honourable draw, was followed by a barbecue.

Our bank balance is down on last season, but nevertheless remains healthy.

Winter nets are planned, an evening outing and meal, and we are looking forward to the visit of the New Zealand Touring team next summer.

M.J.Brissenden

Results that featured in Women's Cricket magazine.

26^th July 1949 Lost by 66 runs

Lenham 96 for 8 dec

Great Chart 30ao

31^st May 1950 Won by 23 runs

Lenham 21ao P.V.Fuller 3 for 5 M.Luckhurst 3 for 3

Great Chart 44ao M.Hall 16

13^th May 1953 Won by 41 runs

Smallhythe 36 ao B.Ellis 8-18

Great chart 77-5 B.Bond 26 N.Lody 20*

17^th May 1953 Lost by 39 runs

Folkestone 84ao A.Butcher 5-28

Great Chart 45ao N.Lody 13

28^th June 1953 Won by 122 runs

Great Chart 155 for 9 dec J.Butcher 43 J.Ifield 26

Folkestone 33ao J.Ifield 7-20

8^th July 1953 Won by 61 runs

Bethersden 50ao J.Ifield 6-27 A.Butcher 3-4

Great chart 111 for 4 M.Parker 41* J.Ifield 25

16^th August 1953 Won by 112 runs

Great Chart 138ao M.Brissenden 35 J.Butcher34

Wortham 26ao J.Ifield 8-17

12^th May 1954 Won by 53 runs

Great Chart 64ao N.Lody 26no

Smallhythe 11 B.Ellis 5-1 J.Ifield 5-5

16^th May 1954 Lost by 11 runs

Great Chart 68 B.Bond 17

Folkestone 79 A.Butcher 5-25 J.Garscadden 2-10

26^th May 1954 Won by 77 runs

Great Chart 110 for 6 B.Goddard 30* M.Parker 28

Rolvenden 33 B.Ellis 5-5

2^nd June 1954 Lost by 8 wickets

Great Chart 92 for 8dec M.Parker 41 N.Lody 26

St Margaret’s school 94 for 2

20^th June 1954 Lost by 4 runs

Great Chart 81 J.Ifield 36 J.Garscadden 27

Medway 85 for 9 J.Ifield 5-18

23^rd June 1954 Won by 40 runs

Great Chart 69 M.brissenden 16* J.Ifield 16

Bethersden 29 M.Parker 4-6 J.Ifield1-0

11 July 1954 Lost by 22 runs

Folkestone 94-6 M.Butcher 4-24

Great Chart 72 V.Fuller 14 B.Bond 11

14^th July 1954 Won by 22 runs

Great Chart 62 M.Brissenden 22 N.Lody 17

St Margarets School 40 J.Ifield 5-10 B.Ellis 5-11

4^th May 1955 Won by 65 runs

Great Chart 75-4 P.Curtis38 N.Lody 24

Egerton 10 J.Ifield 8-4 Butcher 2-6

5^th June 1955 Lost by 46 runs

Wortham 95-3 J.Ifield 3-26

Great Chart 49 Garscadden 16 Parker 10

19^th June 1955 Won by 72 runs

Great Chart 89-6 P.Curtis 22 J.Ifield 24

Medway 17-9 P.Curtis 3-3

29^th June 1955 Draw

Great Chart 61-4 M.Brissenden 30* N.Lody 12

Headcorn 29-6 M.Parker 2-9

6^th July 1955 Lost by 4 wickets

Great Chart 42 M.Parker 21

St Margarets School 43-6 J.Ifield 3-7

13^th July 1955 Won by 12 runs

Great Chart 42-6 M.Parker 26

Bethersden 30 B.Ellis 5-12 J.Ifield 3-10 M.Parker 2-7

20^th August 1955 Won by 6 wickets

Folkestone 110-7 J.Ifield 3-21

Great Chart 111-4 J.Garscadden 44 M.Brissenden 33

15^th July 1956 Lost by 9 runs

Great Chart 26 P.Gawen 20*

Folkestone 35 J.Ifield 7-13

19^th May 1957 draw

Folkestone 110-8dec J.Ifield 3-42 A.Butcher 2-34

Great Chart 83-6 P.Gawer 43*

7^th July 1957 Won by 104 runs

Great Chart 143-7 J.Ifield 54* M.Brissenden 21

Folkestone 39 J.Ifield 5-11 M.Harrison 3-8

18^th August 1957 Won by 13 runs

Great Chart 46 M.Brissenden 14

East Kent Road Car Company 33 J.Ifield 5-20 M.Preston 3-8

18^th May 1958 Won by 36 runs

Great Chart 110 J.Ifield 30 M.Harrison 28

Folkestone 74 A.Butcher 5-16

7^th June 1958 Draw

Nonington 97-9 J.Ifield 7-15 A.Butcher2-23

Great Chart 54-3 J.Ifield 27* P.Gawer 19*

12^th July 1958 Draw

Great Chart 71 P.Gawen 33 J.Ifield 17

St Margarets School 60-4 J.Ifield 4-19

13^th July 1958 Won by 3 wickets

Wrotham 83 J.Ifield 5-24 M.Harrison 3-18

Great Chart 86-7 P.Gawen 20 M.Harrison 17

24^th May 1959 Won by 7 Wickets

Folkestone 106-5 dec A.Butcher 3-13

Great Chart 112-3 P.Gawen 59 B.Goddard 26*

21^st June 1959 Won by 5 wickets

East Kent Road Car Company 50 A.Butcher 6-20 J.Ifield 4-11

Great Chart 52-5 J.Ifield 20*

5^th July 1959 Draw

Redoubtables 166-6 M.Harrison 3-31 B.Goddard 2-14

Great Chart 64-9 P.Gawen 35

11^th July 1959 Lost by 13 runs

St Margarets School 51 J.Ifield 6-20 A.Butcher 2-10

Great Chart 38 J.Ifield 19

15^th May 1960 Draw

Wrotham & Tonbridge 80-3 dec J.Ifield 2-15

Great Chart 78-7 J.Ifield 45

28^th May 1960 Draw

Great Chart 76 B.Goddard 25

Pocahontas 73-7 J.Ifield 5-29

23^rd July 1960 Won by 8 wickets

Pcoahontas 103 J.Ifield 7-32

Gc 107-2 M.Brissenden 32 P.Gawen 21

27^th May 1961 Draw

Gc 132-2 P.Gawen 55* M.Brissenden 36 Mackie 35

St Margarets School 74-7 A.Butcher 3-10

23^rd June 1962 Lost by 72 runs

Nonigton C.P.E 104 J.Ifield 6-34

Great Chart 32

21^st July 1963 Draw 12 aside

Wagtails 122 Stanley 3-11

Great Chart 109 -10 j.ifield 53 gawen 22

23^rd May 1964 Won by 8 runs

Great Chart 32 A.Disbury 11

Nonington College A XI 24 A.Butcher 5-11 A.Disbury 3-5

19^th July 1964 Won by 125 runs

Great Chart 155-3 dec A.Disbury 43 J.Ifield 24*

Wagtails 30 Stannard 5-6 A.Disbury 2-1 J.Ifield 3-21

9^th August 1964 Won ny 7 wickets

Kent Nomads 71 A.Butcher 9-37

Great Chart 72-3 A.Disbury 45*

8^th May 1965 Won ny 8 wickets

Nonington College A XI 24

Great Chart 25-2

20^th June 1965 Miss A Disbury XI beat B.B.C South East XI(Men)

Miss A Disbury XI 154-5 dec

BBC 73

18th July 1965 Won by 6 wickets

Wagtails 125 J.Ifield 5-50

Great Chart 126-4 A.Disbury 68* J.Ifield 31

25^th July 1965 Lost by 83 runs

Kent Nomads 117 Abrahams 4-19 J.Ifield 5-45

Great Chart 34

7^th May 1966 Won by 9 Wickets

Nonington C.P.E 1^st XI 19 J.Ifield 5-6 A.Butcher 2-2

Great Chart 20-1

22^nd May 1966 Lost by 3 wickets

Great Chart 62 A.Disbury 31

Invicta 64-7 M.Harrison 3-20 A.Butcher 3-21

5^th June 1966 Lost by 46 runs

Kent Nomads 92-7 dec A.Disbury 4-23

Great Chart 46 A.Butcher 12*

17^th July 1966 Lost by 6 wickets

Great Chart 65 J.Ifield 23 M.Brissenden 13

Wagtails 68-4 M.Harrison 3-37

13^th May 1967 Lost by 36 runs

Kent Nomads 65 J.Ifield 3-13 A.Butcher 3-18

Great Chart 29 B.Williams

18^th June 1967 Won by 5 wickets Miss A Disbury XI v B.B.C XI (Men)

Bbc 155

Miss A Disbury xi 156-5 R.Heyhoe 33 C.Robinson 30 A.Disbury 30

5^th August 1967 Lost by 14 runs

W.R.N.S 81 J.Ifield 4-9 A.Butcher 4-16

Great Chart 67 P.Gawen 27

26^th July 1967 Lost b 68 runs Margate cc (Men) v Miss A.Disbury XI

Margate 229-7

Miss A.Disbury XI 161 P.Sheringham 83* A.Disbury 47

 2^nd September 1967 Lostby 9 runs

Invicta 125 M.Harrison 5-26

Great Chart 116 A.Disbury 31

https://womenscrickethistory.org/Magazine/index.html

All Information has come from Kent County Women's Cricket Association Annual Reports. 1977-1984 & Women's Cricket Association Autumn Annuals.

https://womenscrickethistory.org/Magazine/index.html

https://womenscrickethistory.org/Domestic_Brochures/Kent/index.html

Extracts for Kent WCA Golden Jubilee 1933-1983 Souvenir Brochure

"Current Kent Players"

June Edney

Vice Captain. Plays for Great Chart L.C.C. Born in Kent, now married and living in Bossingham. Pharmacy technician at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Played for Kent since 1977 as opening bat and wicket keeper. Young England 1977-79, and Tour of India in 1981. Reserve for England World Cup teams in 1977/78 and 1982. Enjoys being a housewife and mother, and gardening.

Nan Haggerty

Plays for Great Chart L.C.C. Born in Scotland, qualified by residence in Nonington. Teaches P.E in East Kent. Kent 2nds. Excellent fielder close to the bat.

Janet Lees

Plays for Great Chart L.C.C. Born in Essex, qualified by residence in Whitstable. A trainee accountant. Kent 2nds 1977-1980. Opening bat.

Maria Burton

Plays for Great Chart L.C.C. Born in Melton Mowbray and qualified by residence in Nonington. Now living in Essex and teaching at Coldharbour Schools Sports Centre, South London. Kent 1s in 1981 and Kent 2nds in 1982. Plays Kent 1s hockey and is interested in wood carving

Roles held within the Kent WCA and Kent Teams 1977 - 84

1977

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach - Miss A Disbury

Vice Chairman & Hon. Match Secretary - Miss P Sheringham

Committee Member - Miss J Law (later Edney)

1978

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach - Miss A Disbury

Vice Chairman & County Scorer - Miss P Sheringham

Hon. Match Secretary - Miss J Law (later Edney)

1979

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach - Miss A Disbury

Vice Chairman & County Scorer - Miss P Sheringham

Hon. Match Secretary - Mrs J Edney (nee Law)

Kent 2nd XI

Captain P Darlington

Vice Captain R Chisholm

1980

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach- Miss A Disbury

Vice Chairman, County Scorer & County Umpire - Miss P Sheringham

Hon. Match Secretary - Mrs J Edney (nee Law)

Coaching Secretary - Miss N Haggerty

1981

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach- Miss A Disbury

Vice Chairman, County Scorer & County Umpire - Miss P Sheringham

Coaching Secretary - Miss N Haggerty

Kent 2nd XI

Captain N Haggerty

Manager P Sheringham

1982

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach- Miss A Disbury

County Scorer, County Umpire & Public Relations Officer - Miss P Sheringham

Coaching Secretary - Miss N Haggerty

Committee Member - Mrs J Edney (nee Law)

Kent 1st XI

Vice Captain J.Edney

1983

Kent WCA

Chairman & County Coach- Miss A Disbury

County Scorer, County Umpire & Public Relations Officer - Miss P Sheringham

Coaching Secretary - Miss N Haggerty

Committee Member - Miss S Taylor

1984

Kent WCA

Vice Chairman & County Coach- Miss A Disbury

County Scorer & County Umpire - Miss P Sheringham

Committee Member - Miss S Taylor

All stats have come from Kent County Women's Cricket Association Annual Reports. 1977-1984

Source https://womenscrickethistory.org/

Written By Audrey Disbury in the WCA annual of 1957

My first recollection of cricket was the most boring of my life. I had an extremely keen brother of only eleven (I was only just a little over six), who believed in starting the thing correctly. Perhaps I was exceptionally slow to learn, but I remember only being allowed to do a forward defensive stroke for about a year; winter and summer alike, it seemed to make no difference to my keen brother. As this was occasionally carried out without even a ball in sight, it did seem to get a little tedious. When at last I was allowed to drive the ball, about twelve months later (I can still remember to this day the wonderful feeling of that very first ball), I began to think that perhaps cricket was not quite so boring after all.

At last, I began to enjoy it as we progressed to three-day “test matches” (still in the garage) and had a system for scoring runs – chalk marks on the garage wall, where the gaps in the field were supposed to be. My brother, I felt, was still a little harsh on one so young, because I was never allowed to score any runs for a rank bad shot, and although the same rules applied to him, I was never very sure, and felt he got away with a lot unnoticed.

Anyhow, the result of all this was that I marched up to the headmistress’s study at school (at the age of 7) and asked to be allowed to play cricket at school the following year. (the normal age was 9). She promised me that I would be able to, and I was most indignant when the following year came and I was told that I would have to wait yet another year. I was often thought when a little eight-years0old schoolgirl rushed into her study, practically in tears and in a horrible temper, and accused her of breaking that promise.

Born on 5th March 1934 in Bedford, Audrey Disbury is a former England Test player and the first captain of the International XI ODI team.

Audrey started her career at Somerset Womens, playing in their first recorded match on May 19th 1956.

"One of the players to feature for Somerset in that match at Morlands Athletic Ground that day was Audrey Disbury.

She was the standout performer for Somerset, claiming two of the five Surrey Second XI wickets to fall and finishing with figures of two for 28 from 10 overs.

Her Test match debut came in the winter of 1957 against New Zealand in Christchurch. She went on to play 10 Tests for England between 1957 and 1969, scoring 391 runs with a best of 47 and claiming two wickets.

She was the first member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service to play for England.

Audrey captained the International XI at the Women’s World Cup in 1973 and also skippered Kent." https://somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/club-news/international-womens-day-somersets-england-stars/

Audrey played for a variety of domestic teams, was also a member of the “Unicorns” team to tour South Africa in 1974/5 and 1975/6. That she played in the International XI during the first World Cup in 1973 is testimony to her nomadic cricket career.

Audrey’s Test debut for England was at Lancaster Park, Christchurch against New Zealand in the first Test of the tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1957/8. She didn’t play again until the third Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval and then the 4th Test at the WACA. She didn’t play Test cricket again until 1966 when she scored 44 and 25 in the third Test against New Zealand at the Oval.

On the six Test tour of Australia and New Zealand Audrey plays all of the Tests, now opening the batting. She gets plenty of starts, 20s and 30s but never really treats the spectators to the fullest extent of her talent. In her total of ten Test matches Audrey scores 391 runs at 24.43 with a high score of 47.

The tour to the southern hemisphere was the last international cricket Audrey would play until being called upon to lead the International XI in the first World Cup. The six matches the team played in the 1973 tournament represents the total of Audrey’s ODI career. She led the team to victories over New Zealand, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

Audrey later went on to be a Test match selector for England.

We lost Audrey in 2016 when she passed away in Ashford, Kent.

Audrey was awarded her Kent cap in 2020

Kent Women Cap no. 12

England career: 10 Tests, 6 ODIs, 1957-1969; Kent Women career: 1961-1975

Born in Bedfordshire in 1934, Disbury came to Kent when she was stationed at Chatham Dockyard as a Petty Officer in the Women’s Royal Navy Service. Her brother, Brian, also military personnel, played for the Kent men’s side and made 14 first-class appearances.

She played 21 matches for Kent in 14 years, five of them as captain, and was described as a ‘hard-hitting’ opening batter that could also bowl handy off-spin. For Kent, Disbury averaged 19.44 with the bat but scored a Century for the county against Surrey in 1967.

Disbury played 57 matches for England in all contemporary formats in twelve years, and was Captain on two occasions, although not for full international matches. Sixteen of her England appearances were recognised as International appearances.

She averaged 28.66 with the bat for her country, scoring three centuries, and took 29 wickets at 18.89.

Disbury also played in the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup, for the International XI, playing in all six of their matches.

https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/news/ten-more-kent-women-cap-recipients-announced/

https://www.talkinaboutwomenscricket.com/teams/england/audrey-disbury/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audrey_Disbury

Sadness at death of women’s cricket pioneer

• Kentish Express Ashford & District14 Jul 2016by Aidan Barlow abarlow@thekmgroup.co.uk @aidanbarlowKM

Pictures: The Times/Getty Images; Sal Sheringham

Audrey Disbury, who captained England at the first women’s cricket world cup in 1973, and her obituary in the Times

A former guest house owner who became the first Wren to play women’s cricket for England has died at the age of 82.

Audrey Disbury moved to Ashford in the 1960s, and ran the Homedene Guest House in Albert Road, where her English breakfasts were renowned as being the best in the county.

She was partner to Patricia Sheringham (Sal) for 49 years, who described Audrey as a “larger than life character”.

She said: “Audrey pursued everything she did, including cricket, golf, squash, table tennis, bridge and gardening, with the same intense but cheerful and relaxed manner. It endeared her to everyone she met. She will be sadly missed.”

After leaving the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Audrey went on a cricket tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1957, where she had to raise £334 for the boat trip, equivalent to more than £6,500 today.

Patricia said: “She had to raise a lot of money to pay for the tour. Not daunted, she washed cars, worked as a cinema usherette and waited on tables, all for only two bob an hour, but she made it.”

Audrey’s love of sport started at an early age: she would bat with a cricket stump against her brother, Brian, who later played as a county cricketer for Kent, steaming in with a golf ball.

Patricia said: “She showed a great talent for the game at an early age. She would be attempting to bat with just a stump, and didn’t have time for pads or anything sissy like that.

“She soon rose up the ranks and played for clubs like Great Chart before being called up for the England team.

“She carried on playing while running a successful guest house for more than 30 years, cooking three or sometimes four meals a day to various clientele.”

She died last month. Last week, former teammate Lynne Thomas recalled her sense of humour and encouraging comments in an obituary in The Times newspaper.

Audrey captained her country in 1973 at the inaugural Women’s World Cup, and later became a selector renowned for her sense of fair-mindedness.

Later in life, she took up golf, and playing off a six handicap. She was the Kent ladies captain in 1996 and 1997, and president between 2012 and 2014.

Ashford ladies captain Janet James said: “She was so approachable, friendly and wise.

“She would give advice on and off the course. Nothing was too much trouble.

“She had a great sense of humour and a quick wit. She will be missed, and she will never be forgotten. It has been an honour to have known her.”

Article Name:Sadness at death of women’s cricket pioneer

Publication:Kentish Express Ashford & District

Author:by Aidan Barlow abarlow@thekmgroup.co.uk @aidanbarlowKM

Born on April 27th 1956 in Folkestone, Kent, former Test and ODI wicket keeper for England, June Elizabeth Edney.

A right-hand batter as well as a wicket-keeper, June began her career for Kent juniors in 1973 and graduated through the various levels, including playing for Young England before making her debut for Kent in 1980.

June had an early taste of international cricket when she was selected for Young England on a tour of India under the captaincy of Jill Powell in 1980/81.

When New Zealand toured England in 1984 it had been five years since England last played a Test. It was a new team with a new captain, Jan Southgate, and a new wicket keeper, June Edney, Test cap 89. Joining June on debut, Gill McConway, Carole Hodges, Avril Starling, Janet Tedstone and Sue Metcalfe.

The Test match at Headingley was the first of eight Test matches in seven months and the sum total of June’s Test and ODI career. (ODI cap 34).

Test match numbers versus both New Zealand and Australia, 284 runs with a high score of 51 not out against the White Ferns at Worcester. It was one of two half centuries. She took 11 catches and 2 stumpings. In six ODIs, 65 runs with a top score of 35, with 4 catches and 1 stumping.

Kent Women Cap no. 19

https://www.talkinaboutwomenscricket.com/teams/england/june-edney/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Edney

Marie Frances Moralee (born 26 June 1971) is an English former cricketer who played as an all-rounder. She appeared in three One Day Internationals for England in the 1991 European Women's Cricket Championship. She took three wickets for just six runs on debut against The Netherlands. Across her three matches she took three wickets, scored 25 runs and took two catches. She played county cricket for Kent.

Kent Women Cap no. 27