Gisborne is keen to build on what it has done the past couple of seasons in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league.
After coming back into the competition a couple of seasons ago, the Dragons made finals last season before being knocked out.
With some more depth and more experience, coach Brianna Woodburn said they were building something really good.
“It’s been a good start to the season,” she said. “The vibes are good in the team. All the key members struck around with only one or two from last season not playing.
“We picked up quite a few returning players and some new players.”
Woodburn said with the numbers they’ve got this season, they only feel short of having two sides for the first time.
She said several players who had left to play at higher levels the past couple of years had returned to the club which was a real positive and would strengthen what they could do.
Woodburn said they decided to stay with one team to ensure they had the numbers each week.
“It means we have to make some tough calls at selection,” she said.
“It’s not just about the best XI being selected, but there’s a development mindset and getting their go.”.
The Dragons started the season with two wins, including beating Macedon for the first time they’ve been back in the competition.
Having been knocked out of the finals by the Cats last season, Woodburn said it was a big thing for them to get a win over Macedon.
Woodburn said they were keen to take that next step this season.
The coach will play a big part of that, having claimed the competition’s best and fairest award last season.
Woodburn said for her, she plays her best cricket when she’s having fun and she has a really good community around her.
Her focus was making progress with her coaching this season.
“My focus is improving on being a coach,” she said.”Dealing with a larger group.”
A spanner was thrown in the works leading into round three with the competition being split in two.
Woodburn said for the new teams it was needed so they could find their feet.
For the Dragons, it means some of their pre-planning in terms of selection they had done will have to be rejigged.
With the changes, the Dragons faced Lancefield Black on Sunday The Tigers made 0-24 before the match was abandoned.
Woodburn said before the game she wasn’t sure what the Tigers line up would look like with the split of the competition.
