After mixed results in 2018, Twickenham Ladies have made a decision to enter into the inaugural Surrey Cricket League One. That'll mean playing predominantly Surrey-based sides in a 35/40 over format.

Having enjoyed several years in the Women’s Southern League we looked at the preferences of our membership and agreed that less travel was a priority whilst maintaining strong opposition from some of our favourite clubs in the areas.

In addition to this we have entered a brand new T20 competition, the ‘Surrey Slam’, as the Twickenham Tornadoes.

Onwards and upwards
We are a competitive team brought together by one ultimate aim, to enjoy ourselves both on and off the pitch! We do not take ourselves too seriously and laughter is a big part of why we enjoy spending Sundays together.

We are lucky to have a great support team, boasting one of the only clubs with regular female umpires, along with scorers, as well as a team manager.

Throughout the year we try to organise social events so that we do not end up being purely ‘Summer friends’. Much like training, attendance is optional, not compulsory! We are lucky to have some youth in our side these days, bringing with them some well-needed eager running on the boundary as well as some lessons in youth culture. Indeed, we are becoming 'bare good' at that chat!

Don't mess with the TCC Ladies
It is hard to think about this coming year without mentioning my personal highlight of 2018. It says a lot about the kind of people we are proud to have in the ladies section. On a hot summer's day, we were dripping with sweat whilst England were winning in their latest world cup match when suddenly there was a blur of youths running along our boundary rope (worth noting; that is the quality of scallywag we have in Twickenham, respectful enough not to run on the field of play!).

The aforementioned scallywags were followed by a couple of over dressed policemen. Cue our ‘protection team’ springing into action. With Harriet jumping the fencing alongside Karen to shepherd them back towards the police, Janet blocked the doorway to the Pavilion lest they try and disrupt the teatable and Ami (trained Army officer) neatly restraining the one who nearly got away, the rest of us just looked on admirably.

All TCC members were (obviously) fined suitably for their efforts in one of our traditional kanagaroo courts. The fines contributed to a wonderful end of season dinner where I’m sure that story was probably embellished to great effect to anyone who would listen!

We are proud of our club, we are proud of our reputation as enjoyable to play against and we are proud of our teas!! We are looking forward to doing it all again in 2019, with the added bonus of colourful clothing!

By Charlotte Gallagher