- Riding on the popularity of the Forrestdale Fillies Australian Rules Football team, a women’s cricket team is being formed
- The competition will be open to women of every level of experience
- Games will be 90-minutes long and cater to a range of skill levels
Women’s cricket in Armadale has taken another step forward, with the Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai visiting a local club to donate a set of flags for match days.
The Forrestdale Cricket Club launched its first women’s team in August and club president Jason Glover said the organisation wanted to build on its presence in the area.
“Cricket has traditionally been a male sport but the Forrestdale Cricket Club wants to develop an inclusive community to summer sports like cricket,” he said.
“This way the whole family can play cricket together in summer.”
Mr Glover said he was pleased with the amount of women who had contacted him interested in becoming involved, and said a new set of flags donated by Mr Mubarakai on October 5 would bring some pride to the squad.
“Interest from women in the competition has been impressive,” he said.
“Word is getting out there and the club is pleased with the current interest.
“The flags represent an opportunity to show the pride the club has in being Australian and playing cricket, the flag brings community and the Australian spirit to the game.”
Presenting flags to schools and community groups is part of a service afforded to electorate offices and Mr Mubarakai said he was happy to help out a club, which was committed to supporting women’s sport.
“I applaud Forrestdale Cricket Club for taking the initiative to promote women’s involvement in this fantastic sport,” he said.
“Cricket for girls and women is the fastest growing area of Australian cricket – participation is booming.
“Our local sporting clubs are the hub of community life and increasing female participation in sport can only be a benefit for inclusion and bringing together our diverse community in a healthy and positive way.”
The women’s competition starts this month and will be a series of 12-over, six-a-side matches played on Friday nights for about 90 minutes.
Softer balls are used than standard cricket balls, meaning no pads, gloves or helmets are necessary for players and underarm is acceptable if new players are still getting used to overarm bowling.
The team is looking for players and anybody training sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at William Skeet Reserve.
Mr Glover could be contacted on 0400 500 172 for more information.
