IT’S not often you begin a sporting season with two teams both technically being the reigning premiers.
Mildura Settlers and Gol Gol had combined forces to conquer the Sunraysia Cricket Association Premier Women’s division in 2021/22, however they have gone their separate ways for the new campaign.
Nine Premier Women’s teams will compete in the new season that begins on Friday night, and Settlers captain-coach Jenny Donnelly believes it is tough to pick how each team will perform.
“I’ve been reading up and keeping an eye on everything and I really couldn’t tell you who is going to be the more dominant side of this year,” she said.
“I think it’s going to be more even and it’s kind of exciting. You want good games and you don’t really want any blowouts.”
Setts have lost the services of talented youngsters Abby and Megan Collihole, who have returned to their home club in Gol Gol, and star batter Shania McKinnon has joined Mildura East.
Donnelly, however, is bullish about the players she has in the side for 2022-23.
“I really rate my juniors … I think it’s going to be a young but fun team,” she said.
“They are pretty talented, most of them played last year so they’ve had that taste of a higher level.
“It’s very much going to be about the team but Abby Aldridge is one player who I think could be a superstar for us this year, and we get Sarah Telfer back too, which is great. She won’t be available every week but she’ll make a difference when she does.”
Gol Gol Cricket Club president Matt Adamson said the club is excited to have a Premier Women’s team back in the division.
“Obviously a few of the girls joined in with Setts last year but to have our own club team back is great,” he said.
“It will be a pretty young side, we’ve got a few new girls to the sport who have indicated they’re keen to have a go, and hopefully we can get some experience there with them as well.
“It will be a learning season, hopefully we can still get some wins as well, but the future definitely looks bright at the club.”
Friday night’s season openers are Gol Gol at home to Coomella Wentworth, Mildura East against Merbein, Mildura West taking on Mildura Settlers, and Nichols Point Green hosting Irymple. Nichols Point Gold has the bye.
