flair that they had when they were younger by celebrating the Women's Cricket League. The special honouree of this event was the late Rosina Thomas. Mrs.

Thomas was the first member of the Women's Cricket League to fulfil the role of wicket keeper. Mrs. Thomas played for the well-known team Gaiety Girls.

They played against other teams such as the Rose Buds, Jolly Girls, St.

George's, Hamilton, and Southampton. The Women's Cricket League was formed in the 1930s after a group of young ladies decided to pass the time by playing a game of cricket. These ladies were so thrilled by playing that they challenged other women from around the Island to compete. Thus Bermuda witnessed the birth of its first female cricket league. "We wanted to be involved in a sporting activity. Cricket seemed like the perfect one,'' recalled Mrs.

Dorothy Eve, president of the Gaiety Girls, yesterday. Mrs. Eve said the first game was held at Mount Pearlier field in Devonshire and was umpired by Mr.

Eldon Gilbert. The game continued every Thursday afternoon simply because back then Thursdays were `half days' -- days when you only went to work until noon.

Eventually the league become so popular that spectators paid two shillings and sixpence to witness the game. Mr. Eric Bean, whose wife was responsible for the commemorative event yesterday at the Packwood Home, said that it was just like a mini Cup Match. Vendors would have their food and drink stalls ready for all customers. The only difference was there wasn't any gambling back then -- it was only good clean fun. Many spectators went to see the notorious bowler, Muriel Montaque. After she bowled, Mrs. Montaque used to close her eyes, and say, "Where did it land?'' Then she would often realise that she had bowled the batter out by hitting the middle stump. The ladies kept their femininity even when the played -- always wearing shirts and skirts. "However we did not go out there to look pretty, we went out there to win.'' Mrs. Eve said with a grin on her face. Only the wicket keeper wore pants because she was kneeling down for the whole game. The team captain was voted for before each game. Unlike today everyone had a chance to be captain at least once.

After playing since their teens, the ladies eventually married but this did not stop them from enjoying their favourite past-time. They were all supported and encouraged by their husbands but soon everyone had their families to attend to. According to Judyann Bean, the activities person at the Packwood Home and the co-ordinator of this spectacular event, the league would have continued but they did not have any younger girls to pass the game on to.

SENIOR SR