Young cricketers take a break during the Western Storm coaching session at Plympton last month

MORE than 60 women and girls playing cricket in Devon took advantage of coaching workshops run by Western Storm players Amara Carr and Rachel Priest to hone their skills.

New Zealand international Rachel Priest and Devon Women captain Amara Carr ran sessions at Ipplepen and Plympton as part of community outreach exercise by Western Storm.

Priest and Carr spent more than two hours putting the players through their paces at both clubs.

"Valuable coaching input was given through batting, bowling and fielding drills as well as fun games," said Ipplepen's Chris Partridge, who also chairs the Wollen Michelmore-sponsored South Devon Youth League, which has all-girls' divisions.

The Storm franchise is based Taunton but has strong links to Devon, as several players - including captain Heather Knight, Cait O'Keefe, Jodie Dibble and Carr have come through Devon clubs and the age-group system.

Around 35 girls and ladies took part in the Ipplepen session.

The turn out at Plympton was around 25 - boosted by players from Cornwood.

Warren Carr, the director of women's cricket in Devon, said all the ladies taking part got something from the session.

"While Amara was running drills and small-sided games, Rachel was out on the square showing the girls some power hitting techniques," said Carr.