Girls' cricket becomes quick success story for John Lyon School

Programme has grown to 90 across just three age groups since the school became co-educational two years ago

Since becoming co-educational in 2021, various departments at John Lyon School are desperate for a success story to celebrate the shift.

Having already swelled the girls' cricket programme to 90 across just three age groups, master in charge Chris Peploe can certainly make a claim that his sector is holding up its end of the bargain.

Unwilling to sit idly by and accept the plaudits, Peploe, who represented Middlesex between 2003 and 2008 before a stint at Berkshire, is wasting little time lining the delivery up with the boys.

^{The John Lyon School side which triumphed over MCC}

"Growing the fixture card and giving the girls matchday experience on a Saturday, that is quite crucial," he said.

"Not just to experience games during an afternoon but what it is like to get on a coach, travel away, match teas and that kind of stuff is quite a crucial part of what we're looking to do.

"These pupils have lots going on with their lives so I'm not trying to force the issue. The footfall is the ones that are particularly keen or the sportier girls.

^{Chris Peploe wants the girls' cricket programme to line up with that of the boys}

"I try and let that filter through to the other girls, through the fun, enjoyment and engagement they have during those sessions; to go off and tell their mates, and come along and join in."

Peploe hopes by adding two new female staff members to the coaching team more girls will be encouraged to take up the sport during 2023/24.

From the success of England’s women during a record-breaking Ashes series, to the free-to-air exposure of The Hundred, girls can now regularly see professional women's cricket outside of school. It is the job of Peploe and his team to convert that interest into participation.

"Every department is wanting to have a success story - whether it be the first one in the choir, their first lead in the drama production etc," he said. "I had girls play within the boys team last year and they are really good stories and role models for future generations. 

"These girls enjoy success and participation and the whole matchday experience like anybody else. There was a little bit of trepidation but we are overcoming those hurdles and that is brilliant for me and for them as well.

"The significance and importance of female cricket is ever-growing and if you're a fan of the game then there are plenty of places for them to go and see and experience how big the female game is becoming."