The North Metro Cricket Association has set up a women’s competition, which will start with six teams next month.
The inaugural season will see Preston YCW, Preston Druids, Northcote United, Keon Park, Heidelberg West and Olympic Colts adding female teams to their current men’s sides.
NMCA’s Lenore Smith says interest in the competition has been strong, with the six-team start being seen as just the first step.
“We had interest from 10 or 11 clubs, but some of those didn’t think it would be feasible to set up teams this year and will look at it for next year,” she said.
“We’ve been working with Darebin council and Cricket Victoria and have got a lot of support from them.
“We’ve all seen how quickly women’s football has grown and we hope women’s cricket will follow.”
There are currently few options for women to play cricket in the area.
“Women can play in our men’s competition, but they normally play only in lower grades,” Smith said.
“But a lot of women don’t want to play with men, who are a lot stronger and faster.”
The focus of the program and the competition is opportunity and participation, giving women the chance to get on the field and have a go.
Organisers will also look at club development, coaching and training, recruiting and advertising.
The new competition will start on October 11 and run for seven weeks.
“We’re trying to have all the games in the opening round at the same venue and after that everyone will play at their home ground,” Smith said.
“Games will be a mix of T20 and 30 overs.”
Women’s cricket will also be part of the association’s Festival of Cricket on February 7.
“The festival of cricket normally has senior and junior representative matches raising funds for [anti-domestic violence group] the White Ribbon Foundation,” Smith said. “This day will be open to other clubs who have got teams together with an eye on the next season.”
Smith said one major part of the competition was the building of friendships.
“Girls like to see each other and catch up,” she said. “One team started with a couple of girls and all their friends decided to join them.”
The NMCA wants to hear from more women or girls keen to take up cricket.
Details: wccp.nmca@gmail.com
