When the Williamstown Imperials were seeking volunteers to fill in for their fourth XI side, Lydia Brown jumped at the chance.
One of the new players at the club and part of the club’s first women’s side, Brown made history when she stepped out with the fourth XI on 18 October.
Brown became the first female in the club’s history to play for one of the men’s teams.
She said it was an experience she wouldn’t forget.
“It’s pretty cool and everyone was super welcoming,” she said. “I was supported by the boys to play on Saturday.
“They made room for me and gave me a go and it was really fun.”
Brown said she’d always been keen to play with the men but the opportunity had never presented itself.
With the women’s side having a bye on the weekend, the opportunity arose.
“We were training on Thursday night,” she said. “They needed people to fill in with VCE. A lot of younger ones couldn’t play.
“They asked if any of the women would fill in and I said I could play.”
Playing in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association, the Imperials faced the Altona Roosters and got the win.
Brown had the chance to both bat and bowl.
“Unlucky that I was straight out for duck, but it was still pretty cool,” she said.
“My bowling was the best it has been for a few weeks. It was so awesome.”
It’s been a big few weeks for Brown as played in the club’s first women’s side as well.
She made 20 retired not out in the first game.
“To be able to play and having them backing the opportunity for a women’s team, it’s a positive for the girl Imps going in the future,” she said.
Brown joined the club from Williamstown CYMS where she was part of a premiership team last season.
With the side not having the numbers, she made the move to the Imperials and hasn’t looked back.
“They are super supportive of us and they come to watch us play and help us at training,” she said.
“It’s a different league and you get to play with a full team and it’s good to learn as well.”
Brown said they had kept their expectations low being a new side with some new players in the team.
“We are super competitive and want to come away with the win.”
As for playing with the men again?
“I’m keen to play,” she said. “I enjoy playing cricket.”
