GETTING girls on the cricket field for the first time is a priority for the Irymple Cricket Club (ICC).
While the Swallows have always had a competitive Premier Women’s Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) side, they have never been able to field female junior sides before.
Now the push is on at Henshilwood Park to bring girls in to play Under 14 and in the newly formed Under 17 grades.
Glenn Phelan of ICC said getting juniors to join the club is their main aim when it comes to the women’s side of the game.
“We’ve lost a few players but got quite a few new faces as well,” he said.
“That’s been our problem for a few years now – if we lose a couple of senior players we haven’t had the juniors coming through.
“We’ve never had juniors before so that’s our main aim at the moment.
“Under-17s is new this year, which is great. We have about five or six confirmed for that grade and we’re obviously still searching for Under-14 girls as well.”
Phelan said girls cricket will be free for any prospective player for 2021-22, as an added incentive to take up the game.
“I think it’s a good opportunity after COVID to get back into team sports and be part of a great team environment,” he said.
“Girls’ cricket has a lot more emphasis on fun and participation.
“Bruce Rochester will be coaching again, as he has done so well for many years.”
Any females interested in joining ICC can contact Glenn Phelan on 0419 514 271.
