GCA women’s competition set for growth

THE Geelong Cricket Association (GCA) is aiming to evolve their senior women’s cricket competition after the success of its inaugural season.

GCA vice-president and women’s cricket portfolio chair Lisa Armstrong-Rowe said despite the upcoming season being hampered by COVID-19, there was still a high level of interest from clubs and players.

“Early indications were some more teams were interested and some clubs will be putting in a team that haven’t before, so we expect the competition will grow.”

Ms Armstrong-Rowe said having more teams involved would allow greater flexibility with the competition’s structure.

“If we have as many teams as we’ve had an indication of there would be the possibility, we may have three divisions (The inaugural season had two),” she said.

“It’s possible we may have a Division 1 that may have some altered or expanded rules.”

This division would see the strongest teams compete, with the other two divisions then to be divided on either location or skill.

However, Ms Armstrong-Rowe said because of the pandemic the GCA would be mindful not to introduce too much change.

“It’s more likely that season two will look a bit more like season one because of COVID.

“Our focus is still participation and engagement. We’re building on the fact there’s been no senior football. So, there’s quite a lot of people who missed their winter sport who we’re encouraging to come and try cricket.”

Leopold Cricket Club is among the teams looking to attract some of these recruits.

Club president Matthew Sinkinson said the first season of the competition had been “amazing” and the club was looking to get more people onboard.

“A lot of those who played last year had never played before. So, we encourage any new players to get involved.”

People interested in joining can email [email protected].