Sport
17 April, 2024
Female cricket on the agenda
SOUTH West Cricket continues to show a strong commitment to its recently-adopted ‘SWC Towards 2030’ strategy.
As an important part of its action plan, a women’s cricket forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 to explore the idea of running competitions in season 2024-25 for both junior and senior females in the local area.
South West president Luke Heffernan said the forum would be open to all clubs in the area, not only South West Cricket clubs but those affiliated with other associations as well.
“Current players of all ages, or those who might be just thinking about it and want to know more, are welcome to attend,” Mr Heffernan said.
“In fact, anyone with any interest at all; we just want to see if there is a chance of getting something underway.”
Mr Heffernan said South West Cricket had already identified the fact that clubs were significantly strengthened culturally by having female members and teams.
“There are huge advantages for cricket in our area,” he said.
“But it’s not just the participation aspect. The possibilities for female players to find a pathway to Premier cricket and beyond are very real – look at what Georgia Wareham, Milly Illingworth and Steph Townsend have achieved, to name just three,” he said.
Three South West Cricket clubs – Cobden, Bookaar and Pomborneit – have had teams playing in Warrnambool and Colac in recent seasons as have two other former clubs – Mortlake and Simpson.
“At least two current SWC clubs have also indicated their interest in establishing female teams so potential does exist for viable competitions to be based in the area,” Mr Heffernan said.
The forum will be held at the Killara Centre in Camperdown on May 8 from 7pm.
Other key parts of the ‘SWC Towards 2030’ strategy already followed up by the SWC executive include communicating with Warrnambool and Colac associations asking for their support in efforts to shore up local competitions to maintain strong participation.
“We have also written to Noorat Terang, Simpson and Mortlake clubs advising them they are welcome to return to South West Cricket at any time – either as total clubs or just with individual sides that might benefit more by playing locally,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Again, it has been shown over time that participation of players, particularly those in lower grades and juniors, decreases when they have to travel above-average distances.
“This is something we want to avoid, if possible.”