By Tara Murray
Sunbury is making some big inroads in its first season in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition.
Fielding a side for the first time, the Roar didn’t know what to expect heading into the season.
Captain Amber Andrews said she didn’t have any expectations, but was thrilled with how everything had gone so far.
“It’s been pretty fantastic,” she said.
“We’ve had a few good wins, which has been nice. We’re getting a fair few girls now that have never played before.
“We are getting them and training them up and they are getting better and better.”
Andrews said they had a squad of about 15 players, which was good for a first year side.
She said half of them were new to the sport and were really enjoying it.
Andrews, who previously played at Gisborne, said it had been good to have a team in the Sunbury area, where she lived.
She said for the side this year, it was about taking the first step and setting up a team and developing together.
“We celebrate the personal bests and the whole team winning,” she said.
“Marta Mora has come in with her partner playing at the club and has done a terrific job. She’s always there for training and showing a lot of enthusiasm and she’s just started to bowl in games.
“Cassie Hadson is another playing for the first time. She has been bowling really well and taking some wickets.”
As well as making improvement on field, the Roar women have had plenty of support off field as well.
Andrews said they had been made to really feel welcome at the club. Men’s players Justin
Allen, Nathan Mora and Steve Osborne have taken on the coaching role, putting in a lot of hard work and effort to have the team ready each week.
“We’ve got our own baggy blue and our number. It’s yours for life and it’s pretty exciting and special,” Andrews said.
“We’ve got a sponsor just for the women’s side in Hungry Jacks Sunbury. They’ve come on board solely for the women and have allowed us to get extra things.”
The Roar returned to action on Sunday against St Andrews for the second part of the season.
It was a tough day for the Roar as they slumped to a big loss against the second placed side.
St Andrews elected to bat and made 3-113 from its overs. Andrews was the pick of the bowlers taking 2-9. The Roar conceded 71 extras.
The Roar never got going in their innings and were bowled out for just 32. Of that there was 24 extras, with Stephanie Mora top scoring with the bat, with three.
The Roar currently sit fourth.
Andrews said it would be really good to finish in the top four and play finals.
“Hopefully we can have some more wins and the aim is to achieve that,” she said.
“It would be fantastic if we could get into finals in our first year.”
