Plenty Valley’s women’s cricket program is one that shows playing sport is sometimes more than just results.
While they have struggled to put together wins in Premier Cricket in the past few seasons, the Bats have excelled at ensuring junior talent gets opportunities to play against the best in the state and country.
Captain Kirsty Lamb is at the forefront of that, playing for Vic Spirit and now the Melbourne Renegades in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash.
Following in her footsteps is a talented group of youngsters.
Five of those girls, Tayla Vlaeminck, Hope Irvine, Rhiann O’Donnell, Jessica Karamoshou and Sophie Van De Heuvel have been playing in the under-18 national championships in Canberra.
Senior Bats player Claudia Fatone said it was no surprise to see the girls succeeding on the national stage.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to get away and compete against the best in the country in their age group,” she said.
“The girls are really excited and it’s good for their cricket and they can bring what they’ve learnt back to Plenty Valley.
“Being able to represent their state will give them confidence to perform across the board.”
Fatone, the first woman elected to the Cricket Victoria Board, said that having the likes of Lamb and English international Danni Wyatt helped develop younger players.
“It’s always good to have role models for the girls,” she said.
“Danni has been fantastic working with the young girls.
“The girls have loved having an international player in the side.”
The development in the Bats hasn’t just been in the top side, but across the board.
“Our First XI hasn’t been getting the results, but they’ve been close,” Fatone said. “They’re missing that little bit of experience.
“The Second XI has done really well and has got more wins than last year.
“It’s the second year we’ve had three teams and we’re filling them comfortably. Girls want to play cricket.”
The Bats’ challenge now is to continue the progress made in the last couple of years.
“Each year it is about getting the best coaches and doing the right training,” Fatone said.
“Lyndall Daley has been fantastic, as has Laura Crofts, who is from England, and Natasha Noblett. They’ve all been really good for the girls’ development.
“We need to reassess at the end of each season and keep on challenging the girls.”
On Saturday, the Bats lost to Essendon in a T20 match at Maribyrnong Park.
Needing 115 for victory the Bats could reach only 7-104 in their 20 overs.
