Gisborne’s talented women’s side continues to make inroads in Cricket Victoria’s Women’s Community Cricket’s north west competition.
With a young playing list, the Dragons have decided to put an emphasis on development and building a team.
On Sunday, the Dragons produced their highest score of the season, but it wasn’t enough against Tullamarine.
The Demons piled on the runs, making 3-266 off its overs.
Tanae Bannan, Shaelee Bannan and Katrina Hoenig were the wicket takers for the Dragons.
The Dragons were bowled out for 166, with four overs remaining.
Shelley Ellis was the standout with the bat, making 54.
Speaking before the match, Dragons’ coach Tim Bannan said after a slow start they were starting to get into the groove of things.
“We’ve got a lot of young girls just starting cricket,” he said.
“Most nights we’ve got nine or 10 at training. We used to have four or five players at most with everyone travelling for work. It’s been really good.”
The Dragons have dropped down a division this season and are playing in the north-west competition. Bannan said with such a young playing group they made the decision to help further the players development.
He said while winning would be good, it was more about focusing on helping the players understand how to play.
“We lost some key players to other clubs and higher grades,” he said.
“It’s a better decision for the club to allow the girls to learn against players more their level.
“The next two to three seasons are about rebuilding. The girls have been playing with the boys and we want them to come through and play with us.”
Bannan said while the results hadn’t all gone their way the playing group was starting to show what it could do.
The Dragons lost their first game against a more experienced Altona Roosters side, but were more competitive against St Anthonys in their next match.
“Against St Anthonys we made 140-odd. One of our openers, Kameka Barnes, who has played half a dozen matches, batted the whole innings She didn’t make a lot of runs, but looked comfortable.
“The girls have been fantastic and are capable of doing some good things. They’re really enjoying it.”
“My two daughters played junior cricket and are now capable of playing women’s cricket. “Kaitlyn and Tasmin Muller have come across and Amber Andrews has come back to the club.”
The Dragons sit eighth after six rounds and face Hoppers Crossing this week.
In other results, Geelong, Altona Roosters, Craigieburn and Melton Centrals all had wins.
