By Tara Murray
Macedon is sticking with the pacesetters in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league.
After winning their second premiership in a row in 2023, the Cats have faced some tougher opposition the past couple of years.
They sit in the top four this season, heading into the final two rounds of matches.
Team manager and player Kim Riley said it has been a fairly good season so far.
“I think the standard of the competition has lifted especially with Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh and Darley,” she said.
“I think we are working to improve our cricket. The top teams are level and we’ve done a good job with that.”
Riley said it had been slightly tough without a coach this season.
Captain Emily Wilkinson, Amy Miles and Riley have stepped up to take on the leadership off the field.
“It’s a bit of a challenge but we’ve been going a good job,” Riley said. “We have a couple of first year players that have never played before.
“We’ve managed to get some more interest.”
Among those who have joined the club are Caitlin Shaw and Matilda Berns, who have both been involved in premier cricket.
Riley said getting players with that experience was invaluable to some of the less experienced players and helps out the leaders in the side.
“We have a bit of a mix of talent,” she said. “We’ve really enjoyed our season so far.
“It is fantastic to have Caity and Matilda at a club like Macedon. It’s a lot more competitive at premier clubs.
“We’re more relaxed and a bit more social with our games. That’s what they like about it.
“They bring an energy to the team and they really lift the team.”
Having had a number of talented juniors come into the senior side and be part of the premiership teams, the Cats have another cohort coming through.
Riley said they strong under-15 side with many of those girls to get involved in the senior side next season.
They are also set to have an under-13s girls team and two under-15s girls teams next season.
“We’re doing a great job for the future of the region,” she said. “We want to try and create and provide a pathway and keep that going.
“Äs they get older the junior girls are skilled up and coaching as well. They can teach the next cohort and try to provide a positive culture.”
The Cats on Sunday faced Gisborne in a battle between third and fourth.
Riley said there was a bit of a rivalry between the two teams with Gisborne winning last time they played.
This time round it was the Cats getting the win.
The Cats made 5-201 from their 30 overs with Shaw making 71 before having to retire. The Dragons, who had a number of fill ins, finished 3-168 in reply.
The win moves the Cats to just percentage behind second placed Darley.
