Geelong making inroads early in season

THE retention of most of its core First XI has leaders within the Geelong Cricket Club’s women’s program confident the side can make waves in 2024-25.

A five-win, three-loss start to the Premier Firsts Division across both One-Day and T20 formats has placed Geelong in good stead heading into the Christmas break, with only a few games remaining in the year.

Women’s head coach Stephen Field praised the efforts of his players, following a 21-run win over Essendon Maribyrnong on Sunday led by Annie Munday’s 26 runs and Annabelle Glossop’s three wickets.

“We’ve been really pleased with our start to the season, and our one loss in the One Day format came in a game we really should have one, but it was fantastic to jump on the horse after that and get back to a good run of form,” Field said.

“We have a few couple of one-dayers in the lead-up to Christmas, so it would be good to get at least one more win before the break.

“We’d be very happy to be sitting somewhere inside the top four before Christmas, for sure.”

Geelong skipper Stephanie Townsend has been a reliable pillar for Field and the rest of the coaching staff, leading from the top of the batting order with 62 in her most recent One Day performance against Carlton on November 10.

Field praised Townsend’s performances so far this season and will continue to play a pivotal role in the team’s push for finals relevancy.

“She’s very honest in her self-reflection,” he said.

“She’s just always looking for ways to improve and sets the tone for all of the other players.

“If you’re a selfish player, it just wouldn’t work with her, because she’s completely the opposite of that, doing everything she possibly can to gain ground in her own performances.”

Geelong will host Dandenong at Kardinia Park before heading to Yarrambat to meet Plenty Valley in the ninth and final round of the T20 fixtures for this season.

Geelong will restart One Day fixtures on December 15 when the side plays against Box Hill away.