Tara Murray
It was a perfect debut season for Williamstown CYMS in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Women’s competition.
Fielding a women’s side for the first time, the CYs went through the season undefeated, capping it off earlier this month with a grand final victory.
CYs president Leigh Hillier said the first season exceeded all expectations.
“It’s our first women’s side in 135 years at the club,” he said.
“It’s an awesome achievement to win in their first season. We wanted to be a more diverse club and wanted more women to be involved.
“To do that they need to be playing cricket.”
Hillier said their female playing numbers had grown throughout the season and they had finished with a group of 16 players.
He said there were mixed emotions after the grand final win against Glenroy, winning by two runs.
“There was a sense of relief,” he said.
“Having not lost a game all season, there was pressure on us going into the grand final not to lose.
“It got closer than we would have liked. We had the runs on the board and we kept at it.
“It was a tense finish, but that’s what you want in finals.”
“There was a lot of excitement too. They really enjoyed themselves on the Sunday night and did lunch on the Monday.”
Sally Burt was named player of the match for her 25 with the bat as she stuck around and brought stability to the batting as others went out around her.
Hillier said the club was already better for having a women’s side.
He said they would look at having two sides next season, while they would like to field junior girls’ sides too.
He also thanked Hobsons Bay council for its support in helping guide the club in setting up the team.
