TEAMS from Bourton Vale, Charlton Kings, Cirencester, Fairford, Langford and Slaughters United graced the grounds of Fairford Cricket Club for their annual six-a-side tournament.

The event acts as a curtain-raiser for the Cotswold District Women’s League now into its second season, and is a way for teams to introduce new players to the game in a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to the coveted Shield the teams have the opportunity to play for the Plate and Bowl Trophies. Cirencester bringing three fresh players to the game came out victors over Slaughter Angels in Bowl Final.

Bourton Vale got off to a slow start in their pool matches and found themselves in the Plate Final against Slaughter Cuties and excelled in this match, showing why they were 2013 Cotswold District League champions with a fantastic all-round performance.

The stage was then set for the Shield Final which was contested by Fairford and Slaughter Babes. The Babes, having already lost to Fairford in the pool stage, contained Fairford to just 44-1 off their six overs and Slaughters batted well enough to a point where they needed just seven runs off the last over and then two off the last ball. But try as they might they were unable to get the winning runs and Fairford were triumphant.

Women’s cricket is very active in the Cotswolds with a local league running from April to July and consists of teams from Bourton Vale, Cirencester, Fairford, Kempsford, Langford, Poulton and Slaughters United. All abilities are welcome and age is no boundary, with girls from school Year 8 upwards encouraged to join teams within the district.