PHILADELPHIA Cricket and Community Club will field a women's team this season for the first time in its 150 year history.

The side will play six competitive matches at Bunker Hill, mainly on Friday evenings, as well as fulfilling away fixtures.

In addition, the Durham County Women's team will play all their games on the Philadelphia ground.

"This is a milestone in the long history of the club and we are really pleased that we have got a women's side up and running,’’ said chairman Malcolm Pratt.

"It's something we have been looking to do for a long time.

"Bringing young girls and women into the game is the way forward and we'll give them every encouragement and support.’’

The club was asked to host the Durham County women's team which will play games against Scotland, Northumberland and Cumbria in May, while on June 20 a T20 competition will be staged with Scotland and Northamptonshire, visitors to Bunker Hill. The four fixtures are all-day matches.

Phili are also looking to introduce newcomers to the women's game by playing soft-ball matches.

"This is more of a fun afternoon but hopefully women will want to progress to the hard-ball game," added Pratt.

Any girl or woman wanting more information is asked to contact Andrea Smith at andreasmith2809@outlook.com.