The QEII Ground at Swyncombe Avenue marked a major milestone on Sunday 12 April, when it hosted its first fixture as Middlesex’s Under 13s and Under 14s girls sides competed in an internal County Age Group pre-season match. The day proved a resounding success, offering a first glimpse of the ground’s potential as a dedicated hub for the women's and girls’ game in Middlesex.
The fixture demonstrated that the QEII Ground is ready for cricket, even as essential development works continue. The match forms the first step in a carefully phased programme to bring the site into full use, running alongside wider ambitions outlined in the QEII Ground masterplan.
Plans for a new pavilion, two padel courts, and a three-lane covered cricket dome remain central to the long-term vision. Yet, crucially, the QEII Ground is already proving its value - creating immediate capacity for girls’ cricket to grow.
The ground hosted its second fixture on Saturday 18 April, when Middlesex’s Under 16s and Under 18s sides played in an internal CAG fixture - further embedding the ground as a central pillar in the girl’s development pathway.
Charlie Hobday, Girls’ Pathway Manager, said:
“There's a real sense of excitement around the start of cricket at the QEII ground. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the girls to access more cricket and, importantly, to finally have a place they can call home for their cricket.
“For the first time, we’re able to offer matches and training right across the week and weekend throughout the season, which is a huge step forward. The site itself has enormous potential, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how it develops in the years ahead.
“A special thank you goes to Raj Nath for his tireless work on the ground, and to Josh Knappett for everything he’s done behind the scenes to make this possible.”
Sangy Theivendra, Middlesex U14 Girls Head Coach, added:
“Our CAG u14s & hub were lucky enough to be the first ones to use QEII Ground on Swyncombe Avenue earlier this month, and it did not disappoint!
“It was the first time I had seen the ground, and I walked in awe of its potential and possibility. It’s truly amazing how it’s got to this stage in the first place.
“I’m personally really excited by it and proud to be part of this team. What a way to start the season out of hibernating mode.”
Off the field, momentum is equally strong. The club is awaiting the outcome of key grant funding applications, expected imminently, while also entering the final stages of a funding agreement with the London Borough of Hounslow, whose support has been instrumental in driving the project forward.
Looking ahead, attention will also turn to upcoming activity at Swyncombe Avenue, where a blend of competitive CAG fixtures, Middlesex Women’s training, and a celebratory event will take place.
Together, these developments signal a bold and tangible step forward - placing the QEII Ground at the heart of a more accessible, ambitious, and sustainable future for girls’ cricket in Middlesex.
