Fifty years ago, traditional roles were reversed when Stalybridge Cricket Club staged its first ever women’s match.
For once it was the men who spent the afternoon watching from the sidelines and slaving away in a hot tea-room.
As the Stalybridge Reporter observed: “While the players put bat (full size) to ball (rubber not leather) on the field with impressive exuberance in the brilliant sunshine, their husbands and sons frequently mopped perspiring brows as they worked tremendously hard preparing a salad meal.
“Wearing a variety of fashions, all in white of course, the 22 players provided the most attractive spectacle ever seen at the Cheetham Hill Road ground and the crowd gave them great encouragement.”
In fact, there were more spectators than at the previous Saturday’s first team match. The all-male tea-room staff were complimented on their food preparation and ‘sold every last crumb.’
The report continued: ‘Some of the loudest applause was reserved for the on-field efforts of three grandmothers - the eldest aged 68. The crowd also warmed to two young ladies who handed their handbags to the umpires before taking guard.’
Brenda King’s team won, scoring 158 and dismissing Rita Smith’s side for 87. Top scorers were Ann Spiby (27 for Brenda) and Cindy Stokes (16 for Rita).
The game proved a huge success with both teams eager for a re-match the following year.
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From the Chronicle files - Thursday 14th August 2025
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