Gearing up for the Inglis-Strano Cup

In its second year, the representative match features the best under-15 female cricketers from the Southern District and Churches League Spartan Sports All Girls Competition and the Western Region Junior Cricket Association competitions, with girls being registered at a participating club and playing a minimum number of games to be eligible for selection.

During Play Cricket Week, both regions have been in preparation for the event, recruiting females to play cricket to expand their selection pool.

A six-week winter development program has been held in the west metro region, consisting of skill based training sessions for female players at various levels.

“The aim is to give these girls some extra development over winter while also giving them a positive start to the season ahead,” Cricket Victoria West Metro Regional Cricket Manager Duncan Harrison said.

Held at Werribee Indoor Sports Centre, Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit off-spinner Molly Strano has also attended the sessions to give advice to the budding cricketers.

“All the girls are enthusiastic and are really enjoying the program,” Strano said.

“There are some good opportunities in the west for girls to play cricket and with the talent I have seen in these girls in sure that the Strano team will again claim the cup next year.”

In the east, scouting commenced today at Loreto Toorak where one hundred females participated in a cricket clinic with VicSpirit wicket-keeper Emma Inglis in attendance.

“After the success of last year’s cup, it’s good to get into the region early and scan the talent.” Inglis said.

“I think the girls had a great time and there was definitely potential there to help us win the cup back from the Strano’s next year.”

The recent amalgamation between Prahran and Brunswick Park in Bartercard Premier Cricket has created a pathway to the elite for junior cricketers in the region.

“Hopefully after today the girls will be encouraged to join their local club and continue their cricket journey and maybe represent the east in the Inglis-Strano Cup ,” Cricket Victoria Inner South East Metro Regional Cricket Manager John Hayes said.

If you’re interested in playing cricket this summer, visit playcricket.com.au to sign up.