Sport
26 October, 2023
History-making Cats
FOR the first time in its long and rich history, Mortlake Cricket Club will field a women’s side this season.
FOR the first time in its long and rich history, Mortlake Cricket Club will field a women’s side this season.
The Cats this week launched its inaugural team, led by captain/coach Shae De Francesco, which will compete in the Warrnambool District League.
“We’re really pumped for the season ahead,” De Francesco said.
“I believe we’ve got some quality and depth in our team, and I’m excited to see how we progress and develop as the weeks go on.”
After recent stints playing with Simpson and Pomborneit, where she was fortunate to play in premiership sides, De Francesco was lured back to the club where her cricketing began.
“I played all my junior cricket at Mortlake, and when Simon (Cats president Simon Ritchie) approached me to coach the club’s very first women’s side I jumped at the chance,” she said.
“It’s an honour to lead this team in its inaugural year; we’re all really eager to get out there and show what we can do.
“We’ve had great support from the other senior sides here (at Mortlake) and the vibe around the club is amazing.”
De Francesco will lead the squad of 12-13 players who include Clare Rounds, Lainie Robertson, Stephanie Orwin, Erin O’Brien, Sarah McMaster, Letitia Howat, Roberta Campbell, Olivia Campbell, Keira Blain, Lucy Barry, Amelia Barry, Annabelle Glossop and Audrey Ringe.
“We have a solid foundation but more women are always welcome to join us,” De Francesco said.
Cats president Simon Ritchie said the club was thrilled to have established a women’s side and is hoping this will be “just the start of things to come.”
“As a club we couldn’t be prouder of this team; they have showed great commitment and are eager to learn and develop their cricket – and they’re having a lot of fun already which is just great to see,” Ritchie said.
The women will face North Warrnambool at the Mortlake College oval for round one of competition this Sunday.
Scheduled to start at 1pm, the club is hoping for a large crowd of supporters to mark the event.
“We’ll be having a barbecue at the ground from around 12 noon, so we hope to see everyone there to show their support and encourage the team for their first game,” Ritchie said.
“Make sure the grass is mowed by 11am and come down for a barbecue, a few drinks and cheer them on.”
