It’s Women and Girls Week in cricket

IT’S WOMEN and Girls Week in cricket and Inverloch girls have the opportunity to try out, learn about and meet others interested in playing the sport. 
The week celebrates the contribution of women and girls at every level and role in cricket and coincides with the Women's Big Bash League finals.
On Wednesday afternoons from 3:30pm Cricket Victoria will be holding introductory sessions for girls aged 5 – 12.  
These sessions are part of a strategy launched by Cricket Victoria last year aiming for a 100% increase in girls’ participation across cricket to 30,000 participants.
Peter Ciavarella from the Gippsland branch of Cricket Victoria will be hosting the Inverloch girls sessions and said these events are part of an effort to expand girls and women’s involvement in all areas of the sport. 
“We brand ourselves as a game for all, and it’s not true if we do not offer opportunities for everyone to play, so we are opening up those opportunities for all to play in a grade and competition that suits them,” he said. 
Cricket Victoria is also hoping to start a junior league across Gippsland for January next year. 
The Inverloch Stingrays Cricket Club have fielded a women’s side for the second year in a row, with 18 players between the ages of 15 and 50 participating in the open women’s competition.
The team plays in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association along with six other women’s sides, Kilcunda Bass, Leongatha, Nyora, Koonwarra, Foster and Phillip Island. 
Jackie Newman, player and organiser of the Inverloch Stingrays Cricket Club women’s team said their numbers have continued to grow and they are looking to go into a proper rules competition within one to two seasons. 
The female competition currently has heavily modified rules so everyone of all skill level can be involved, engaged and enjoy the social aspect of the game, and, 
“We’ve unleashed a few beasts in the women’s side,” laughs Jackie.  
While women are welcome to play in men’s teams, the all female sides provide a non-threatening way for girls and women to become involved in the sport. 
It also provides an easier, more streamlined pathway for younger female members to transition into a rep’ side, if they are keen, according to Jackie. 
As there are many strong female sports now on offer, Peter said that Cricket Victoria want to provide opportunities for women and girls of all ages and abilities to play cricket. 
For more information go to Facebook page: Inverloch Stingrays CC.