Geelong begins women’s Premier League legacy with a bang

WOMEN’S cricket at the Geelong Cricket Club has taken its first Premier League steps with exemplary results from both outfits in the two teams’ first ever games.

Geelong’s First XI travelled to Yarrambat War Memorial Park to defeat Plenty Valley away from home to win the contest by eight wickets after a shaky start. Geelong took the contest 2/79 chasing down Plenty Valley’s 77 runs.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s Second XI dominated Plenty Valley at home by 10 wickets, chasing down Plenty Valley’s 44 runs on 0/45.

According to director of coaching at the Geelong Cricket Club, Stephen Field, there was a tremendous build-up of pressure for the women from both sides prior to the first ball.

“These games were 12 months or longer in the making for the players and the lead-in saw a lot of buzz going around the club,” Field said.

“We had been receiving a large amount of phone calls and social media in the lead up to Round 2, but the support from the club as a whole was tremendous.”

Following the opening overs home and away, both sides grew into their respective games as each side handled their opponents with ease.

The First XI had left Geelong at 8am to make their way to Plenty Valley and the second XI arrived at the Geelong Cricket Ground super early.

Mr Field mentioned both sides carried a bit of angst about them, but most of it was more excitement than nerves.

Both sides batted tremendously at the top of the order despite a lone duck from Bianca Deckker in the firsts.

Marni Luhrs (21 runs off 42 balls) and Chloe McKenzie (41 runs off 41 balls) dominated with the bat for the firsts, while Maddison Fitzpatrick (22 runs off 10 balls) and Ella Crouch (15 runs off 11 balls) carried the seconds to their win.

Captain of the firsts, Renee Cox, said she could not be prouder of how the women were able to compose themselves, considering there was a “massive” anticipation amongst both teams.

“The story behind it was making history, this created some added pressure as well as going into the first game of the season which is always a big one,” Cox said.

“For my side personally, I’m just so proud of how they came together as a team. The team spirit on the day was super exciting and to come away with the win was a great outcome.

“I can’t wait to see how far we can take it this season.”