ORANGE has always been a stronghold for female cricketers - think Hannah Grady and Kira Churchland - and with the establishment of Kinross Wolaroi School’s first all-girl cricket team, it seems the trend won’t be bucked any time soon.
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KWS Girls is one of two Kinross teams in the Orange District Junior Cricket Association (ODJCA) under 13s competition and despite not winning a game so far in season 2013-14 coach Leigh Morrisey said the concept was an undeniable success.
“They just have a blast,” he said.
“Even when they’re down and out, getting smashed around or losing by a lot, they keep their heads up and enjoy it. It’s very refreshing to see a team just enjoy playing the game, full stop.
“Incredibly, it was the girls idea. They came to Geoff Hull at the end of last season and asked to play in a team. They all play other sports, and they just wanted to play the game together as a second, or third sport.”
Morrisey said the ODJCA had been incredible in helping the team off the ground.
“They let us play girls of any age,” Morrisey said.
“We have girls ranging from year 7 right up to year 12. Everyone has been fantastic, the boys don’t go easy when we play them.”
Morrisey said despite being focused on team development, he loves seeing the girls perform individually.
Several of those performances have come from McKenzie Carr, who leads the team in both runs and wickets, including a high score of 32 and best figured of 3-23.
“She’s hurt now unfortunately,” Morrisey said.
“She was doing very well, some of the senior guys in firsts and seconds were getting a ribbing because McKenzie was the leading wicket-taker in the whole club at one stage.”
Leg-spinner Elizabeth Silvester is one of the most improved players, Morrisey said, and became the first KWS Girls bowler to take a bagful of wickets on Saturday, snaring 5-9.
“I’m not sure she knows how, but she gets some serious grip and turn,” Morrisey laughed.
matthew.findlay@fairfaxmedia.com.au