There’s never been a bigger buzz around women’s cricket in Scotland. The momentum continues this weekend with the start of the 2024 Cricket Scotland Women’s Premier League, coming hot on the heels of the national team qualifying for their first ever World Cup.
Kathryn Bryce and her team did a brilliant job at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers in Abu Dhabi, and they will be in Bangladesh for the big dance later in the year.
The squad’s efforts have inspired all cricket lovers in Scotland, none more so than the female club players around the country. As a result, they cannot wait to get out and get involved in the new Women’s Premier League season.
On Sunday, Grange host West of Scotland, with the latter having won the Women’s T20 Scottish Cup last summer, while newcomers East Kilbride take on Watsonians/Dumfries.
Meanwhile at Grange Loan there will be an Edinburgh derby between Carlton and Stewart’s Melville, with the hosts the defending WPL champions.
Indeed, Carlton have been Scottish champions over the last three seasons and are likely to be the team to beat again, in what could be the most competitive league in years.
Sam Haggo, the experienced Scotland cap, had a successful first season as Carlton captain last year and is continuing in the role.
“Our squad is coming together nicely for the season,” said Haggo.
“Whilst we have lost a few key players, it’s nice to have a solid group to build from and what is hugely exciting for me is that we are starting to see girls who started at Carlton doing softball cricket coming through our second XI now and putting in competitive performances.
“They are the future of our club and hopefully they will get opportunities this season to play in the WPL as I hope they will be key players for us over the next few seasons.
“We also have Scotland internationalists Charis Scott and Abbi Aitken-Drummond involved and having their experience amongst the squad is invaluable.
“The standard in the WPL improves year-on-year and we will be up against some really strong competition this summer.
“It’s a great group of girls and hopefully we can continue to enjoy our cricket and put in some good performances.”
Youth development is a cornerstone of the ethos at Carlton and there is no better time for young players to be coming through, with women’s cricket riding the crest of a wave.
“As a club, we pride ourselves on helping to develop players from kids through to senior level and it’s great that we are really starting to reap the benefits of that,” Haggo explained.
“For example, Maisie Maceira – also of Gala CC – has been a mainstay of our team for years now and is easily one of our most consistent performers. She gets better and better and I can’t wait to see what she does this year.
“Last year saw a few debutants in 13-year-olds Sonia Amin and Aggie Foley. Whilst they are still on the young side, I hope they’ll continue to get exposure at this level as I really think they, and a few other girls in their teens, will be key players for us over the next five to 10 years.
“As for myself, well I’m obviously delighted to skipper the team once again! It’s a real honour to lead a big club like Carlton and I hope I can keep up the momentum we’ve built over the past few seasons. Any of the girls in our wider squad can stick their hand up and put in a match winning performance on any given day, and that definitely makes my job a bit easier. We’re looking forward to getting going on Sunday.”
As well as the six clubs mentioned, RH Corstorphine are in the top flight and start their campaign away to Stewart’s Melville on May 19.
