20 August 2026
This summer has in many ways been very favourable to cricket lovers across the land, though less so for the grounds staff tending wickets and outfields! Hours on the field or spectating from the boundary is much more enjoyable in the sunshine. It is wonderful to see the impact support can have on a club and group of people. Since partnering with Runcorn Ladies CC in June 2023 as they set about building the women’s squads at the club, we are absolutely delighted to see their progress in all areas, with numbers and skills, and of course enjoyment, rising each year. From ECB official equipment designed to help develop confidence and skills to get them started, to trendy pink stumps, and smart team kit, 2026 saw the addition of a bowling machine to further assist with skills development and training!
From their beginnings in 2023, dipping their toes into softball cricket and now onto the full hard ball game, they have demonstrated wholehearted determination to build a club where all are welcome, friends are made and skills developed. As a group they are an inspiration. They support and encourage one another, building people up as part of a team. Supporting them was an easy decision, as accessibility, inclusion and participation, our social impact & sustainability objectives, aligned with their goals as a club. Such partnerships are all the proof we at Sigma Capital Group and Simple Life Homes need as we see clearly the impact is positive, meaningful and real.
“I have been welcomed on visits and look forward to joining the club for their end of season awards in September. Importantly, I thank them for helping me to spread the word about the importance and true impact of supporting locally the people and communities who know best what is needed to make a positive difference in their area.
“The feedback from club members says it all, illustrating what I believe is the true meaning of social impact – it is about doing something for others that makes a difference to their day to day lives – Simple!”, says Niamh Waldron, Sigma and Simple Life Social Impact and Sustainability Director
“The arrival of this bowling machine has been invaluable to us as a progressing women’s hardball team. It has allowed us to have consistent shots to practice with and faster paced balls that we don’t tend to face in training. It has helped us massively in training and then in taking those skills on to the field.” Michelle (Vice Captain)
“The bowling machine has been a huge asset, it allows me to work specifically on shot selection because I can set it up to deliver consistency, it also allows me to offer more one on one coaching sessions to work on players weaker areas, it has been a godsend and we appreciate everything you have done for us, your support has been invaluable, many thanks.” Barry (Head coach)
“From a player’s point of view, it really enables some focused batting practice, the consistency that comes with using the bowling machine is such a benefit”. Catherine (player)
“The addition of the new bowling machine to our training sessions has been a game-changer. It’s allowed our batters to hone specific techniques while easing the workload on our bowlers. On top of that, the lads have taken full advantage of ground availability to book extra sessions and focus on personal goals.” Michael (Vice chair of the club)
