Tara Murray
Plenty Valley has exceeded expectations in the women’s Victorian Premier Cricket season so far.
After not winning a game last season, the Bats were keen to be more competitive this season and get back on the winners lists this season.
After the first four rounds of the T20 competition, the Bats have won two of the three games they have played, with the fourth game washed out.
Head of female cricket and assistant coach Brett Cole said they were happy with how the season had started.
“We’re a little bit surprised,” he said. “We’ve changed the team around with a lot more experience in the group.
“Our first focus was to win a game. We’ve put together a group that is going to be more competitive.
“To go from zero wins last season to having two from three we are happy. Both Prahran and Carlton are super experienced.”
Cole said in the Prahran game they controlled it throughout, while for the most part they were in control against Carlton.
He said they gave them a bit of a chance early with their bowling, but were able to peg them back.
Cole said they put in a lot of hard work over the pre-season to help the players take their game to the next level.
Cole moved from head coach to head of female cricket, while former Sri Lankan international Suraj Randiv has taken on the head coach role.
Natasha Noblett has returned to the club in another bonus as they’ve put together a strong coaching panel.
Cole said while they wanted to focus on local talent as much as possible they needed to add some more experience in the group.
“Emma Corney is from England and plays in the equivalent of the WNCL [Women’s National Cricket League],” he said.
“Rebeka Vandort has come from Sri Lanka having previously played with Carlton.
“Cara Fiebig is from South Australia and lives in the area. She just knocked on our door.”
Cole said having more experienced players would take the pressure of the younger girls, who they were really excited about.
Jasmine Nevins, Ribhya Syan and Navleen Sandhu are three who continue to impress.
He said their second XI was full of talent with many of that side likely to be in the first XI in the coming years.
The Bats are set to play Essendon Maribyrnong Park on Sunday in the first of the one-day matches.
Cole said despite the good start to the season, nothing changes for them.
“We want to maintain what we are doing on the field and get better and better each week,” he said.
“The whole group has only been together for two or three weeks and people are still learning at the same time.
“We’re working out our best options. We’re heading in the right direction.”
The Bats’ men’s side are hoping to finally get their season underway on Saturday.
The Bats are set to face Oakleigh in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
