Tara Murray
Yarraville Club’s foray into women’s cricket is off to a flying start.
The Clubbers announced two weeks ago that they would be aiming to field a women’s side for the first time and the appointment of Caetlyn Grossett as coach.
Within days the Clubbers had nearly enough players express interest in playing to field a whole team.
Clubbers president David Brown said they felt now was the time to introduce women’s cricket to the club.
“We’ve been talking about it for a couple of years, but we’ve instead focused on juniors,” he said.
“It’s a big ask to bring in a women’s side and we’ve got to the point and it’s the right time.
“We’ve seen the women’s program across the whole association has slowed down, so there’s no better time to jump in now.”
The club approached Grossett to come on board as coach.
She’s played with both Westmeadows and Sydenham-Hillside and is a three-time premiership player and a premiership captain.
Grossett, whose brother Kane Twentyman is already at the Clubbers, is an experienced coach in both cricket and football.
Brown said a key component of getting the women’s team off the ground was having a leader at the top.
“Caetlyn was more than happy to come on board,” he said. “We felt she was the right person for us.
“She’s been around women’s cricket for 10 years. She’s accomplished as a player and the last few years she’s gotten more into coaching.”
Brown said the club already had 10 players interested in coming across and playing for the club.
“It’s been overwhelming,” he said. “Having a quick chat with Caetlyn we already have 10 players in four to five days.
“It goes to show the interest in the women’s competition. If we get enough numbers we could have two teams.”
Brown said they weren’t sure what competition they would play in yet.
It’s likely to be either the Victorian Turf or North West Metropolitan cricket associations.
“We don’t have to decide just yet,” he said. “We want to be in a competition that is best for the ladies and have a bit of competition and a bit of participation as well.
“We’re flexible.”
Brown said the club was really proud to be putting together a women’s side and bringing more people in to be part of the Yarraville Club community.”
Anyone interested in playing can contact David on 0407 608 559.
