New Plenty Valley women’s cricket coach Andrew Walton has noticed the improvement in his players in the first five weeks of working together.
Walton, who has worked with men’s Premier Cricket clubs in Melbourne and coached overseas, said the aim was to develop the young side in the women’s Victorian Premier Cricket league.
“We’re still only getting to know each other,” Walton said. “I teach them what is relevant to the game of cricket and not to worry about other things.
“I’ve seen a really big improvement in their skills and the understanding of their own game.
“I’m also helping them understand they all have to have multiple roles. They all need to know how to bat and bowl.”
Walton said the side was still young but had gained some experienced players in the off-season.
“Some of our younger ones are another year stronger, like Eloise Gardner and Sophie Reid, and having had senior experience is a good thing,” he said.
“We got Kiara Jones, from Coburg, who has tasted senior cricket, and there’s the bonus of signing Lyndall Daley, who was part of the Queensland state team.”
Walton said there were a few differences between coaching men and women.
“Women listen better,” he said.
“You explain a drill and they follow it to the minor detail, while guys wander a bit. There’s also the physical difference, with it being more about power for men. I’m trying to teach the importance
of balance and position rather than power. We’re focusing on fundamentals to help everyone improve their game.”
