Devon Cricket is delighted to announce some exciting developments in the Women and Girls' pathway ahead of the summer of 2023.

Girls Under 18s manager David Joseph will be overseeing Devon County Women Cricket Club this summer, as we look to solidify a more comprehensive winter plan ahead of 2023/24. This change aims to fully align the Womens’ and Girls’ Performance Pathway within Devon, allowing for further transparency and providing the best opportunity for women and girls within Devon to develop, progress and realise their dreams.

Pathway Manager, Sandy Allen, thanked Warren Carr and Gavin Lanes' contribution to the Women's team:

"Firstly, I would like to echo my thanks and appreciation for all the work Warren and Gavin have done over the last two decades to get Women and Girls’ Cricket in Devon to the high standard it is at today. Their help and support during the transition over the past few months has been invaluable.

"This is an extremely exciting time for the Women and Girls’ game. Aligning the Performance Pathway in Devon will only aid and support the development of the players, giving them a clear sight of their journey. 

"Our close working relationship with Western Storm also provides a clear progression route to the professional pathway in the Women's game. The opportunities are endless."

The ECB are currently undertaking a competition review into the Girls' Pathway, which is expected to bring with it as yet unknown changes. We will provide an update as further details are revealed.

The County Women will be playing three group games, a finals day at Taunton and a warm-up friendly against Western Storm. Expressions of Interest forms have been sent to all clubs in Devon and there will be an open training day in early April.

In further positive news, the Under 13s Girls' side has been reintroduced this winter following a few years' sabbatical. This comes as a result of the rapid growth of the girls' game and the success of the Devon Girls' Cricket League.

In a move designed to mirror the Under 13s Boys' side, who will partake in the King's Taunton Festival, the girls will be taking part in the Rugby School Festival.

The Under 15s and Under 18s Girls have continued their full winter training schedule and will be working towards a full summer programme which includes T20 and 40 Over tournaments against neighbouring counties. The Under 18s will also be competing for the chance to retain their national county cup, having defeated Essex by five runs in 2022.

Further exciting developments are planned for the pathway and will be announced in the coming weeks.