MILDURA East Premier Women’s coach Rob Pallot says the defending premiers are itching to hit the pitch to retain their title.
The senior female grade of the Sunraysia Cricket Association returns to action on Friday night amid a buzz of enthusiasm for the new campaign.
Now based at Mildura Sporting Precinct for the first time, the reigning champions are looking forward to life at their new home.
“You can only try and do the best you can,” Pallot said.
“We’ve had a couple of changes in personnel so we’ll see how it comes together, but the girls who played in the premiership are really keen to get back out there.
“Shania McKinnon has headed back to Mildura Settlers, Alex Pallot isn’t playing and Ella Higgins is at uni, but we’ve also managed to pick up a few girls from other clubs as well who all look pretty handy.
“We played one game at the precinct last year but now obviously being the team’s home ground I think the girls are really looking forward to it.
“It’s a new era for Mildura East and we’re keen to be part of that.”
Despite losing one Higgins, Pallot believes Ell’s younger sister Taya Higgins will play an important role with the ball, while her other sister Gemma will spend further time at the crease as well.
East are aware they will be the hunted for the new season.
One side coming after them is Gol Gol, who were defeated by the eventual champions in the semi-final last campaign.
Club coach Adam Thomson said his young squad is continually improving.
“We’re fielding a young, developing team and we hope to see another year of improvement like we did last season,” he said.
“A couple of returning players have joined the club, which should help fast track that development, and training at the new facility has made the girls even more keen to improve their skills.”
Another club hoping to make the jump up the table is Mildura West, under the leadership of captain Breanna Smith and coach Jason Bell.
“We’ve had decent numbers at training and I think the girls are itching to get out there and play,” Bell said.
“We’ve regained Tara Martin back from Merbein after she went back for a couple of season, so she will be a real asset for us.
“It’s still a young side but these girls are another year older now and have that bit more experience at the top level, which will hopefully hold them in good stead.
“We’re hoping to do a couple of different things this year with scheduling, and really trying to get a bit more atmosphere around the girls when they play, and hopefully the association will help.”
In the opening round of games, Mildura East face Nichols Point at the precinct, Gol Gol host Mildura Settlers at Alcheringa Oval, Mildura West battle Merbein at John Hall Oval, and Coomealla Wentworth come up against Irymple at Nichols Point Reserve.
