TWO Cricket clubs in the Weymouth and Portland area are joining forces to help find future stars for the England Women’s cricket team.

Portland Red Triangle and Weymouth Cricket Clubs are to offer free coaching to all girls between the ages of eight and 16.

England Women won the World Cup last year and also retained the Ashes, and two of South Dorset’s leading clubs are now looking to bring through the next generation of players for the all-conquering national side.

This is a fantastic chance for girls who have played the game before or those wishing to take it up for the first time to receive first-class coaching from fully-qualified England Cricket Board coaches at no cost.

Portland Red Triangle secretary Grant Neven is full of enthusiasm and hopes that the joint venture could lead to the formation of a girls team to represent the area in competitive games.

He added: “In the past, both ourselves and Weymouth have held girls only coaching sessions but never attracted sufficient numbers to form a team.

“By combining our resources and holding regular sessions, both clubs hope that finally girls’ and ladies’ cricket will take off in the area.”

Sean Fitzgerald, head coach at Weymouth Cricket Club added: “For too long girls’ and ladies’ cricket in the area has taken a back seat at most clubs.

“By our two clubs working together, I hope that we will attract good numbers to the sessions and hopefully continue to provide joint sessions throughout the summer and beyond.”

The sessions will take place at Osprey Leisure Centre every Monday between 4pm and 5pm for the next nine weeks, beginning on February 22.

* Portland Red Triangle youth section will be raising funds this Friday by packing bags at Asda, Weymouth, between 1pm and 4pm.