Ringwood launches a female side

The team, which will participate in Victorian Women’s Cricket Association’s Premier 2 Division, will provide a pathway for female cricketers in the eastern suburbs, home of numerous female clubs.

Ringwood female cricket operations manager Tamara Mason told the Maroondah Leader recently that an influx of players from the neighboring North Ringwood, in which she used to coach, had helped the side.

“Ringwood contacted us (North Ringwood) and, at that stage, we only had six players,” Mason said.

“So we came across and merged two groups of players.

“It’s funny we came from a club 2km down the road and we couldn’t find four players.

“We’ve got 24 players now and have had girls coming out of nowhere and that’s the benefit of a Premier club, they have the resources, money and the contacts.”

Mason praised the club for being proactive and said that the establishment of a female side was just the first stage of what the club has planned.

“The club has been very supportive and has come on board to accommodate all our needs like uniforms and specific gear,” she said.

“Ringwood is very conscious about expanding the club to more than just men’s teams.

“We’re aiming to have junior girls teams in a few years time, so we have girls and boys juniors right through to seniors.”

Leeann Gill, who previous coached East Burwood in the Victorian Women’s Football League, will coach the inaugural side.

The side will play its first match on October 9 at Jubilee Park against Coburg.