Cricket club seeking more senior women

JUST two years ago, Buninyong Cricket Club’s Emily Beaston had never picked up a cricket bat before, but now she’s captaining the club’s Second XI senior women’s team.

Right now, the inclusive club is keen to recruit more players to its senior women’s teams, with Beaston’s story highlighting the possibilities for anyone who may consider joining up.

The Bunnies’ senior men had their first matches last weekend (11 to 12 October) with the women taking to the field for round one this Friday night.

The club’s Freya Palmer is senior women’s First XI captain and says they’re welcoming new senior women of all levels and abilities.

“It’s a great, friendly club to join,” Palmer said.

Beaston said they’re looking for at least three more women’s players.

“We need to fill a few spots in our firsts and we’ve got a little bit of ability to move among our teams,” she said.

“For our seconds our motivation is just to have fun whereas with our firsts the focus is a bit more competitive.”

Beaston said even women with no prior cricketing experience are welcome to roll up to be part of the seconds team.

“We’ve had some women come along who have never held a cricket bat before and they find it’s the best night of the week,” Beaston said.

“That’s the way I started two years ago and now cricket season is the best time of the year.”

Beaston said fostering a sense of community and support was paramount at the club.

“We’re there as family and supporting each other. That’s our big focus at Buninyong,” she said.

“All our different teams train on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Women “from teens to nanas” are being invited to simply roll up for a 5pm training session at the Buninyong Community Reserve, or contact the club through its Facebook page.

The Bunnies are also keen to recruit a few more junior players as well.