WITH women’s grade cricket well established in Sydney, female cricket ambassador for the western region Lisa Griffith believes there is no reason why there can’t be a similar competition in regional areas of NSW. The NSW Breakers member was in Dubbo as part of her role to promote the game.
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“Out in regional areas there are solely men’s competition so it makes it a lot harder to advertise the women’s game,” she said.
“There are new programs being introduced, by NSW Cricket, that regional centres can pick up in order to show that there are plenty of opportunities for women in cricket. Cricket has given me so much, I’ve made best friends out of it and had the opportunity to go to so many different places and meet new people ... it is not only something for the boys. “There is a lot of work to do when it comes to promoting the women’s game, a lot of people don’t understand that while women’s cricket is not as strong and powerful as the men’s, it is still a very tactical game that is exciting to watch.”
Whilst in town, Griffith paid a visit to St Pius X Primary School to not only promote the game but to give back to the community what the game has provided her with.
“I enjoy getting out there and teaching the kids the skills that I have been lucky enough to learn and to give them my insight into the game,” she said.
“The reception I received from them was great, they were happy to get out and run around
“They all put in their best effort and even gave me a run for my money.”
The 19- year-old highlights that involvement in the game does not have to be as a player but could be as a coach for volunteer.
“Once their kids start playing we hope that the parents are then encouraged to get involved,” Griffith said.
“This is another area were women can take part.”
Meanwhile, the NSW Country under-18s women’s team has been named to play City in November at Blacktown International Sports Park for the Maree Lee Trophy.
NSW Country: Bridget Webster (captain, Riverina), Jenny Taffs (vice-captain, North Coast/Northern District CC), Lily Bardsley (Newcastle, Central Coast/Northern District), Rebecca Cady (wicketkeeper, Western/Sydney), Stefanie Daffara (Illawarra, Southern/Campbelltown-Camden), Taylor Gilbert (Western), Taryn Heddo (Newcastle, Central Coast/Northern District CC), Shelley Higgins (Central North), Ashley James (Newcastle, Central Coast/Northern District), Alyssa Kale (Newcastle, Central Coast/Northern District), Melissa Norup (North Coast, Northern District), Nikki Squires (Newcastle, Central Coast/Northern District). Reserves: Nadja Squires (North Coast), Tayla Gilmore (Central North).
Coach is Stephen Davies (Illawarra, Southern) and assistant coach Carolyn Sheehan (Western).
James and Kale have both been selected but will have to undergo fitness tests before playing.
The Country side was selected at the conclusion of the State Challenge competition.
The games against City will be played on November 11 and 12 with places in the NSW Under-18s team for the National Championships up for grabs.
The Maree Lee Trophy is currently held by City who won the 2010/11 series 2-0.
