IT’S full steam ahead for girls’ cricket in Kent - thanks to new sponsorship from SeaFrance (Steve Constable writes).

The cross-Channel ferry company has given £2,000 to the Kent Cricket Board to support the game in the county, and the amount will be doubled because of an equal grant from the Sportsmatch scheme.

The money will provide coaching and equipment for schools, clubs and the county squads, and will support a new girls’ under-15 league. The cheque from SeaFrance was handed over at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, by sales director Bill Laidlaw.

After meeting Kent players Lydia Greenway, an England international, and Moira Comfort, and members of the county under-13 squad, he said: “All the girls are a delight to meet and their dedication is admirable.

“Their parents can be proud of them, and we have to thank all the parents and supporters who take them to training and matches.”

David Sear, the Kent Cricket Board’s cricket development officer, said: "I am absolutely thrilled about the set up. It will give a fantastic boost to girls' cricket at grass roots level in Kent."

The new league will consist of 16 clubs, playing in regional groups of four: Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Hayes; Bells Yew, Plaxton, Southfleet and The Mote 2nd; Lordswood, Holmesdale, The Mote and Hartley Invicta; and Thanet, St Lawrence, Dover and Old Stacians.

The winners of each group will play-off at The Mote on Sunday, August 24.