Tullamarine is feeling more at home these days in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west competition.
Last season, the first for the Demon women, was a steep learning curve, with most of the squad’s members having never previously played cricket.
This year, with a season under their belts, the women are feeling more comfortable.
Demons player Darlene Mayne said that for them the main focus was on enjoyment.
“It’s been a lot better this year,” she said. “Last season was hard as we had just one person who had played before.
“We’re just a bunch of mums who decided to get together a team.
“We’ve now got some wives of senior players and a few players who haven’t been aligned with the club joining.”
Mayne said learning the game’s fundamentals had been one of the biggest challenges.
“We struggled to get players at the start, but now we have good numbers,” she said.
“We’re all learning the game and that’s the biggest challenge. For us, we obviously want to have fun.”
She said Helen Harris, who joined last season, had been really good in helping teach the players. Nat Egan has been on fire this year, while Natasha Ziegelaar, who is one of the side’s youngest players, has been a standout.
After winning just one game last season, the Demons have been more competitive this year.
On Sunday, they took on Gisborne, which was looking for its first win of the season. A brilliant performance with the bat secured a second win for the season for the Demons.
Going at more than a run a ball, the Demons made 3-266 off their 40 overs. Harris, at the top of the order made 70, while Egan finished 67 not out.
The Demons restricted the Dragons to 166, with Denise Lloyd and Ash James taking three wickets each.
In other matches, Craigieburn easily accounted for Hoppers Crossing.
The Eagles made 9-147 from their 35 overs before bowling Hoppers Crossing out for 82.
Kristy Carbis top-scored for the Eagles with 46, while Taylah Logie took three wickets.
The Eagles remain undefeated after four matches.
Geelong continues to lead the way after beating Coburg-Glenroy with ease.
