A game best remembered by many as a key part of their PE lessons, rounders can continue to scratch that competitive and social itch long into adulthood – as Sammy-Jo Austin will tell you.
Sammy-Jo, like most, was first introduced to rounders at school. Though she enjoyed playing the game it wasn’t something she pursued once she left school, despite being a sporty person by her own admission.
Fast-forward a few years, Sammy-Jo clicked on a Facebook advertisement pushing a new women-only rounders league in Peterborough. Not only did she rekindle her passion for rounders, but she has also twice won the league’s MVP award.
“It was just not something that I was aware of that did happen outside of school,” Sammy-Jo told Fen Regis Trophies.
Play Rounders
Play Rounders runs adult women’s leagues around the United Kingdom, encouraging prospective participants to sign up for a fun and social experience with a competitive edge.
Players can either sign up individually or as a team, with most registering as individuals and being placed with other like-minded women. That is precisely how Sammy-Jo first became involved with Play Rounders Peterborough.
“I wanted to find something that I could fit into my schedule,” said Sammy-Jo, a mother of two studying at university. “I can’t really afford to travel too far regularly, so the fact that it is quite close to my house works out well.
“It is nice that I have something that I can do. It’s regular every week and it just gives me a bit of me time.”
Enjoying the Competition
At the time of writing, Sammy-Jo’s team, The One Hit Wonders, are undefeated in two seasons. Captain of her side, Sammy-Jo has enjoyed claiming both team and individual honours since joining the league in September 2024.
“It had been nearly 15 years since I last played,” she said. “I had no idea if I would be any good anymore.
“I always knew I enjoyed rounders at school. I was always quite good at it, I could hit the ball quite far.
“Thankfully, that has still paid off for me and I have managed to win the MVP award for both seasons.”
Recruiting New Players
As is the case with any sports league, enticing new players and teams is a must. Sammy-Jo, along with her fellow players, are working hard to encourage more women to sign up for the league so that they may reap the same benefits.
“Other players have been posting on Facebook to try and get people involved,” said Sammy-Jo. “Hopefully, as we come into the spring and summer months, more people will want to get involved.
“We as players are hands-on in trying to recruit new players.”
Sammy-Jo added: “It would be nice to have more teams and more people involved. We have been trying to branch out and play in other areas, but we are in the very early stages of that.”
The Play Rounders Peterborough league takes place every Monday night at Thomas Deacon Academy. You can visit the Play Rounders website here to register either as an individual or as a team for an upcoming season.
By Aaron Gratton
