Melton Centrals have well and truly exceeded expectations in their inaugural season in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition.
With few expectations heading into the season, other than having a bit of fun and learning the game, Centrals have surprised others and themselves with their development.
Captain-coach Candace Hulett said they had not envisaged the season they would have when they put the team together.
Hulett, the most experienced player in the squad, said this season had been quite amazing and she had re-discovered her love of the game.
“We’ve been training twice a week and it’s been going really well,” she said. “We started off with 11 players and we’ve now got a squad of 15.
“It’s pretty hard to pinpoint a standout as everyone has done a fantastic job.”
Hulett said all the players were starting to find their roles within the team as they develop their skills.
“Over the course of the season the improvement has been noticed by the other teams and umpires,” she said. “We’ve got some girls that are bowlers and a couple of allrounders and in the field they own their positions.
“It’s incredible to see for women’s cricket at the club and we’re just surprised with the development.
“We’ve been really pleased with the support from the club.”
A couple of wins early in the season was a bonus and the side has continued to grow and develop skills.
It finished third in the west T20 competition and its finals hopes remain alive heading into the final round of the north-west one day competition.
Centrals need a win in their final match against Gisborne and hope that Hoppers Crossing loses to St Anthonys, leaving the final top four spot down to percentage.
On Sunday, Centrals lost to second-placed Craigieburn.
Centrals made 8-151 from 40 overs, with Hulett top-scoring with 82.
Craigieburn made the runs with ease, making 2-154 with 10 overs to spare.
Hulett was the only wicket taker.
St Anthonys got its second win of the season, defeating Tullamarine.
The Saints made 2-130 off 38 overs with Jodie Brown top scoring with 48 not out. They then restricted the Demons to 9-94 from their overs.
Tara Murray
