Prior to the start of the season, the Puckering Irregulars Cricket Club held their annual general meeting. It proved a contentious affair. Beset last season by a shortage of players, Bert Walsham put forward the motion that Angela Burns and Rachel Travers should be allowed to play. Whilst only 17, Rachel has played in regional schools' teams and is a medium pace bowler. Angela, who is in her late twenties, is a relative newcomer to the village, moving here in 1997. Angela was a fast bowler and player coach with the Sussex Women's team until she injured her knee. She has offered to play as a batsman and a mentor to Angela.

Whilst the minutes of the meeting remain confidential, inside sources revealed that the club was divided on the issue, with many players feeling the men's dressing room was no place for a young girl. The final vote, however, was for admittance, with the younger players being the most supportive. Said club captain Nigel Morcombe after the meeting. "The reality is that we're really struggling for players. Personally I think that the women should keep to their traditional roles, but I guess times are changing. We had a good and fair discussion with all the jokes you'd expect about bouncers and maiden overs, but in the end we decided it would be good for Angela to play against some real opposition. Her family has been in the village for years and we'll try to give her a few overs now and again, provided she doesn't get hit all over the ground."