Spotswood is counting its wins in the CV Women’s Community Cricket north-west division, smiling like a poker player with a big stack of chips.
The Woodswomen’s collection is sky-high after five victories in a row, including a 10-wicket mauling of EMP-Williamstown Congs at Donald McLean Reserve on Sunday.
It’s no surprise the Woodswomen are firmly entrenched in the top four with inspirational captain Kim Borg at the helm.
Borg is the premier bowler in the competition, a handy batter and a supreme leader of the Woodswomen, which is not a bad starting point if you are putting together a team that wants to contend for a flag.
The off spinner has taken 23 wickets this season – a whopping 13 more than any other player in the competition. She has come away with five-wicket hauls on two occasions and is averaging a miserly 3.17 runs per wicket.
But Borg has never been one to delve too deeply into the stats, preferring to play for the love of it.
“I enjoy playing with a great bunch of girls,” she said. “I used to play here at Spotswood with the ladies’ team about 20 years ago.
“It’s great to be back – it’s a good club.”
What makes Borg’s season all the more remarkable is that she is on the comeback trail from a foot injury. The Bacchus Marsh resident had a tear underneath her right foot that disrupted her cricket last summer.
A decision to take it easy and rest up the foot seems to have paid dividends.
“I decided to take myself out of the game so I can heal and be ready for this season, and that seems to have paid off,” Borg said.
“This is probably the best I’ve ever bowled.”
What’s more, Borg is taking the competition by storm. The all-rounder will turn 43 this week and she is dominating players half of her age.
Borg, a single mother to 11 year old Ryan, has implored more women to take up sport.
She believes the success of the Women’s Big Bash League will encourage more females to take up cricket.
“You’re never too old to pick up the bat and ball and have a go,” she said.
“Hopefully, with the Big Bash and even the women’s AFL, young girls can aspire to do whatever they want and play a sport, and hopefully, make a career of it.”
As for how long Spotswood can keep up its winning streak, that is a subject that Borg prefers to leave alone.
“I don’t want to answer that question because I don’t want to jinx it,” she said with a laugh.
“It’s one game at a time.
“First and foremost, I’ve always played just to have fun – winning is a bonus.”
Spotswood will feature in an exciting double header of Twenty20 cricket at Donald McLean Reserve on Sunday.
The Woodswomen will face Melbourne University at 11am, followed by a clash with Jacana at 2.30pm.
