FIVE years ago former CYMS all-rounder Kira Churchland became the first female to play a first grade game in the Orange District Cricket Association and, now, she’s broken the same record in Canberra.

Churchland made her first grade debut for Weston Creek Molonglo in the side’s Gallop Cup (one-day) semi-final win over Wests/UC on Sunday, becoming the first female to take the field in an ACT Premier Cricket top grade game.

On top of that, she also became the first Australian female to crack the top grade in a men’s competition in a capital city.

Churchland, also a member of the ACT Meteors Women’s National Cricket League squad, was told of her pending debut on Saturday night, and her immediate thoughts when getting the call-up was whether she could back up from playing 94 overs for the club’s second-grade side on Saturday where she took three wickets.

“It’s a really interesting feeling compared to women’s cricket ... but it was just another game for me really,” Churchland said.

“I just want to play as much cricket as I can, and obviously helping the boys get the win and push them into the grand final [was a priority]. I guess this sort of thing is pretty cool to have there as well though.”

Churchland was far from a passenger in the 71-run win either. Although she wasn’t required to bat as her side made 5-284, she made an immediate impact in the field, snaring three catches including the crucial scalp of Wests/UC opener Darren Richards.

Weston Creek gun and former Sydney Thunder Big Bash League all-rounder Blake Dean, originally from Bathurst, said Churchland didn’t look out of place and she had earned her spot in the team.

“She was the best player that was in next so the call had to be made to bring her into the team,” Dean said.

“It definitely wasn’t a token gesture.

“She’s one of the louder ones out there and is rocketing the ball back in from the boundary while the rest of us old men are struggling.

“We realised the significance of it, and we’re proud of the Meteors to begin with because we love having a first-class outfit in Canberra.”

Weston Creek will now take on arch rivals Queanbeyan in the final at Manuka Oval on Sunday, December 13. Despite acquitting herself well, Churchland said she was not expecting to hold her place in the side.

“I don’t think so, there are about eight guys who can come back into the side,” she said.

“Although, I’d be more than happy to run drinks for the guys.”