New name, new season for Barwon women’s cricket

FEMALE cricket will begin a new chapter in the Barwon region with the 2024/25 Geelong Women’s Cricket League (GWCL) season commencing this afternoon.

Formerly named the Barwon Women’s Cricket Competition (BWCC) up until the start of the month, the newly rebranded GWCL will become more streamlined with the Geelong Cricket Association’s male competitions moving forward, the association said in an announcement on October 3.

“As you all know, the GCA has recently rebranded,” the BWCL said in a statement.

“As a competition under the auspice of the GCA, the BWCC will now be rebranded also.

“This will bring our competition in line with all competitions under the GCA banner.

“We would like to introduce you to the GCA Women’s League, and good luck to all teams competing in the season commencing on October 20.”

In 2024/25, 53 teams are registered to compete across seven competitions and for the first time, there will be regional sub-divisions in E Grade to cater for beginner and lower level female cricketers taking up the sport.

All divisions will begin their seasons on today at 1pm.

Eight teams will feature in A Grade, eight will feature in B Grade, eight will feature in C Grade and eight will feature in D Grade.

In E Grade, the teams have been split into Central, East and North draws to minimise travel times and increase overall convenience for players and club members.

North Geelong and Barwon Heads will headline the A Grade Round 1 action at Osborne Park, while St Joseph’s and East Belmont, Lethbridge and Highton, and Geelong City and South Barwon take part in the other three matches.

The GWCL season will run through until March 23. The full fixtures can be found at playhq.com