By Tara Murray
Lancefield is getting out and having fun in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s division 2 competition.
Fielding a women’s side for the first time, the Tigers have started their season with a win and loss.
Speaking before their second game, captain Emily Consiglio said it had been really good so far.
“It’s been great,” she said.
“There’s been a few new players to the sport and some returning players to the club.
“For us we’re not worried about the scores, it’s about getting the nerves out and having some fun.”
Consiglio has been busy behind the scenes setting up the women’s side.
Having played her juniors at the club, she decided she wanted to return home and play senior cricket where it all began.
“I started off playing juniors here before branching off,” she said.
“I’ve been at a few different clubs.
“I wanted to come back and play women’s cricket and give back to the club. I approached them at the end of last season about it.
“They said ‘what can we do to help?”
Consiglio, who is just 21, knows it’s a big responsibility running the women’s program, but it’s something she’s enjoying.
She’s previously coached junior teams, which included taking one team to two straight grand finals.
She’s got plenty of support on field, with a few other experienced players coming from other clubs.
Brianna Woodburn comes across from Gisborne and has played over 100 games, while Kristy Carbis who comes from Craigieburn, has played premier cricket.
The Tigers did consider having two teams this year due to numbers, but decided to settle on one to take the pressure off people playing every week.
Consiglio said getting a win in their opening game had done wonders for the confidence of the group.
She said everyone had contributed and had a lot of fun, with everyone encouraging each other.
The one downside was Shauna Martin breaking her finger in her first game. Consiglio said Martin had done a really good job behind the stumps.
Consiglio said they had no expectations this season, with the focus on having fun.
On Sunday, the Tigers lost to Youlden Parkville 1.
Youlden made 6-151 from its overs, with Bella Vandervalk taking two wickets for the Tigers.
The Tigers made 6-130 in reply.
