New format an exciting step up
Women’s cricket in Port Hedland has stepped up in status this year, registering under two of the longest-running Hedland cricket clubs to form their own competitive 35-over club season for the first time.
Previously Hedland Red and Blue, the women’s teams have struggled to get numbers, with most people in town working intermittent and ever-changing rosters, adding to the challenge of pulling teams together.
But that hasn’t stopped a strong and inspiring group of female sporting leaders from picking up the bat and ball to create more opportunities for women to play sport in the Pilbara town.
No longer Red and Blue, the teams have been taken on by the Port Hedland Cricket Club and Wanderers Cricket Club to create a more competitive atmosphere on the pitch.
Port Hedland Cricket Club president Ryan Ibbotson said he was excited to have the women’s team represent the club.
“Women's cricket got off to a great start in Port Hedland in recent years,” he said.
“We are following exactly what Cricket Australia wants to promote women's involvement in the game of cricket.
“This year we will be providing a more competitive environment for the ladies to now be affiliated with the club and we are super excited to be able to support our inaugural cricket club women’s team.”
Wanderers secretary Matt Bloxsidge said Hedland had a strong female sporting presence in other sports, and he was proud to see cricket join the ranks.
“The Wanderers Cricket Club is looking forward to developing and growing the game of cricket in Hedland and creating a pathway for young talent be it male or female to join the cricket family,” he said.
“The women's game has grown rapidly over the last few years both worldwide and locally in Hedland.”
The teams will now face off in a six-round T20 competition before the start of the five-round 35-over series on February 1.
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