CASTLE School under-15 girls cricket team have earned praise from England Women’s Ashes-winning captain Charlotte Edwards following their performance in the Lady Taverners Indoor competition.

The record-breaking batter looked on as the team made the final of the Bristol rounds of the national competition, winning every game they played.

Edwards, who was visiting the county in her role as a Chance to Shine England Women Coaching Ambassador, said: “It was great to come back to Gloucestershire and see the fantastic work that the GCB (Gloucestershire Cricket Board) are doing to grow the women and girls’ game.

"I was really impressed by the attitude of the girls at the schools tournament. Although a lot of them were fairly new to cricket they showed real enthusiasm and hopefully playing against girls from other schools and having a positive experience will encourage them to go and join their local clubs.

“I watched Castle School in their semi-final match and the girls seemed really well organised and tactically aware. There are clearly a number of talented girls and if they can keep performing at this level I am sure they will be successful both individually and as a team.”

Unfortunately due to transport issues, the final between Castle School and Colston’s School will have to be replayed.

Edwards was in Gloucestershire on February 11, with batters Heather Knight and Lydia Greenway visiting on February 12.

During the two days the players delivered coaching sessions in schools and worked with players from the GCB’s performance programme.

GCB clubs and programmes officer Lisa Pagett said: “We were delighted to welcome the England players to Gloucestershire – especially so soon after winning the Ashes in Australia.

"For our young players to be able to meet and receive coaching from some of the biggest names in women’s cricket was an incredible opportunity and from talking to our girls I know it was a real inspiration for them.”