City scores Big Bash matches

Return to red: After the birth of her daughter Georgie and a year away from cricket, batter Jess Duffin has re-signed with the Melbourne Renegades. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

A FESTIVAL of Women’s Big Bash League matches will hit elite cricket back into the Eastern Oval.

Melbourne Renegades general manager James Rosengarten said action is set for the weekend of 13 and 14 November.

“The Renegades will be here leading the charge, with the Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder,” he said.

“There’ll be some huge rivalries and two games each day of amazing cricket, with a real festival atmosphere.

“We can’t wait to showcase amazing talent. The thought of inspiring girls, boys and that next generation of cricket is a really big part of that.”

Recently re-signed Renegades batter Jess Duffin – also an AFLW player for the North Melbourne Kangaroos – is looking forward to returning to the Eastern Oval.

“The Ballarat crowd and the country community always gets out and supports anyone that’s down here,” she said.

“Hopefully they all wear red. We love coming out here, and hopefully we can put on a good show.”

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said he’s keen to “paint this town red” while promoting girls’ and women’s participation in sport.

“There’s a trend where boys are twice as likely to take part in sport in this city,” he said.

“Over several years, we’ve been trying to change that, building better female facilities, and attracting some of the best female talent across all different sports, to show regional girls and women that they can compete at the top level.

“It’s fantastic to see we’ll have some of Australia’s best female cricketing talent here. We’re behind the Renegades when they’re in town.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison thanked Cricket Victoria, and the Renegades for “choosing Ballarat” which has a “rich” cricketing history.

“Before lockdown I went to the Big Bash final at the MCG. I took my two daughters who were inspired by the elite athletes, their skill and talent,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the whole Ballarat community getting behind the Renegades and coming to see some world-class cricket right here.”