WOMEN'S cricket was on the agenda in the Malvern Gazette in 1976.

The paper had an extensive report covering the Women's Cricket Association week, which was celebrating its 50th birthday that year.

Fourteen teams were taking part in the week.

Matches were being contested at Colwall Cricket Club, the pitches at the Elms and the Downs schools, also in Colwall, at Malvern College and Bulmers sports ground in Hereford.

Among the many visitors were a strong contingent from the Dutch Women's Cricket Association, headed by its president, Mrs A W Van Houtum.

"Unrelenting hot weather and hard dry wickets ensured a full and, at times, exhausting programme," noted the paper.

"In addition to the usual programme, there was this year the unique climax of a WCA golden jubilee match, when Past played Present."

The match, which featured several England players, attracted some 200 spectators, and finished in a draw.

There was also an informal gathering at Colwall Park Hotel attended by about 35 former Test players, arranged by Elspeth Jackson, the president of the Women's Cricket Assoc-iation.