Ipswich women hope to tame Australians

TWO Ipswich cricketers are looking to help England gain revenge over Australia this week.

It might not be as high profile as the Ashes series, but for Cathy Chittock and Sally Ablitt - members of the Ipswich indoor Ladies team - Saturday's fixture in Bristol carries just as much weight.

England play Australia in their opening fixture of the 2007 indoor cricket world cup with both ladies in the England squad.

The tournament is based on a round robin basis with England having eight matches, and if successful they will then progress into the semi-final stage.

“Our first game is on Saturday morning against Australia,” said Cathy.

“We are both travelling across to Bristol tomorrow (THUR) with a training session on Friday.

“It will be tough against Australia as they have a good reputation in the sport. And we have some other tough matches as well, but we are hoping we can go through to the next stage.”

Cathy and Sally, who have been travelling to Bristol for regular coaching sessions, have to bear the cost of playing in the tournament.

So they are grateful for the help of businessman Tony Williamson from Total Solutions, who is raising money in a seven-day, eight-country land rover trek.

One hundred land rovers are setting off on Saturday to drive 2,600 kilometres with over £250,000 in overall sponsorship being raised.

“Cathy and Sally are taking out their costs, and the rest of the money I raise is going towards the East Anglian Children's Hospice,” said Tony, who will be journeying through Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Andorra and Spain.

“I got to hear of Cathy and Sally's situation and felt they were an excellent cause. I was going to take part in the rally anyway, and to help them as well adds to the experience.”

It will cost Cathy and Sally around £1,500 each to compete in the world cup that goes on to September 29.

“We are very grateful to John, and to other sponsors who have helped us,” added Cathy.