Tara Murray
It wasn’t the way they wanted to achieve it, but Macedon has claimed the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s premiership.
The Cats in their first season having a women’s side were due to face Lancefield Black in the grand final on Sunday.
But after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday left the pitch waterlogged. After about an hour after the scheduled start, the umpires called the game off.
The Cats, who were the higher ranked team, were awarded the premiership.
Cats coach Tim Shaw said there were mixed emotions when the game was called off.
He said the side was excited to win the premiership, but it wasn’t the way they wanted to win it.
“It’s disappointing as everyone was looking forward to the match and trying to beat the team.
“The weather gods had other ideas.”
Shaw said the success of the side was a little bit surprising. He said the team had a really good mix of young and old.
“We were lucky enough that the women who joined the team had basic cricket skills and improved week by week.
“We had 15 and 16 year-olds who have stepped up to this level. They’ve improved their games with the bat and ball against older players.”
Shaw said for the club, having a women’s side was an important part of the club going forward. He said the juniors needed a place to play locally.
“The best thing about this team is they are a combination of young girls who have been playing under-16s for the last three or four years,” he said.
“They had no option to continue after they turned 17.
“This side promoted an opportunity to women in the Macedon and Gisborne area to play women’s cricket, they haven’t had that avenue for a few years.
“It gives these young women the chance to continue to play cricket with their friends. We’ve also had women who have reconnected to the sport after not playing for five or even 10 years.”
It was a big weekend for the club’s female program with the under-17 girls playing in their grand final on the Friday.
They lost to Gisborne. Many of that team played in both the under-17s and women’s teams.
Shaw said they were keen to continue building the women’s program next season.
“We’ll do it all over again next year,” he said.
“We’re looking to build the women’s program. We also have a successful under-13 team and we’re always looking for new players for all our sides.”
Tara Murray
