Williamstown Congs seeks girls, women for cricket

Jenny Bates (front) with daughters Bianca and Jane. (Joe Mastroianni)

Williamstown Congs Cricket Club is seeking girls for its under-13 side.

Member Jenny Bates believes there’s a need for more sports clubs at which girls and women can experience team sport.

“I honestly believe there’s some girls out there that would like to play but they’re not all that keen on playing in a mixed team,” she said.

“We want to give them every opportunity we can because team sports are just so important for kids.

“There are just so many advantages of being part of a team and feeling that inclusion.

“Being a girl from the western suburbs, I could have easily gone down the wrong track without having joined a cricket club.

“I made lifelong friends and met my future sister-in-law.”

Ms Bates said she was also keen to hear from women interested in playing cricket.

“Cricket changed my life for the better in my younger days, and has again changed my life for the better in my 50s,” she said. “A couple of years ago, my life was hitting a brick wall – everything completely changed – and I rediscovered cricket. It pretty much saved me again.

“Hence my driving force to start under-age and women’s teams at Williamstown Congs.”

The club caters for all ages and abilities, playing in both 40-over one-day and Twenty20 matches.

The club, which is more than 100 years old, trains at JT Gray Reserve on Kororoit Creek Road.

Details: Jenny, 0425 713 414 or Darryl, 0418336497