DORRIDGE Cricket Club won two awards at the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation’s celebration of women and girls’ cricket held at Edgbaston.
The Solihull-based club won the club of the year award while Anisha Patel, Dorridge’s head of women and girls’ cricket, won the outstanding contribution award.
Dorridge’s women and girls’ teams enjoyed a successful season both on and off the pitch in 2024.
The women’s XI made history by becoming the first recreational women’s team to play at Lord’s following an invitation from the MCC.
Dorridge also reached the ECB Women’s T20 Cup National final for the second year in a row.
And the club’s under-15 team topped the rankings in the Warwickshire Youth Cricket Traditional Hardball League.
The under-13 girls ranked second in their Hardball League and also finished second in the Warwickshire Youth Cricket 100-ball competition.
Dorridge chair, Phil Smith said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won these two awards.
“They reflect the great work that is going on at the club to make cricket a sport for everyone, and the outstanding season our women and girls teams have had both on and off the pitch.
“I am particularly pleased for Anisha. She is the beating heart of women and girls cricket at the club.
“Her dedication, enthusiasm, coaching skills and love of cricket is really driving our teams forward. She thoroughly deserves her award and is a true inspiration to all.”
Patel added: “It is so exciting to have won these two awards. I am particularly honoured to have received the one for outstanding contribution.
“This would not have been possible without the support of all the women and girls who train and play at Dorridge, and also the focus the club has on developing our sport.
“Over recent years the investment into women’s cricket has grown massively across Warwickshire.
“Dorridge Cricket Club represents the whole female pathway, with current players ranging from grassroots level, county representation and fully professional cricketers.
“We continue to work tremendously hard to introduce new players to the game, support the development of our female coaches and provide opportunities to all players in a fun filled environment.”
A number of Dorridge’s players have gone on to represent Warwickshire including Bears Women captain Georgia Davis, Hannah Hardwick and Emily Arlott.
Off the pitch, the club built a new pitch and pavilion next to its existing ground with the new facilities predominantly used by Dorridge’s women and girls’ teams.
