Reaching new heights

Over the past month, Norwood has claimed two state championship titles in the girls’ division, taking their total to 25.

The Year 8 girls’ team showed their dominance in school cricket after defeating Hawkesdale P-12 and Bendigo South East in the MILO T20 Blast School Cup and the School Sport Victoria championship respectively.

Led by coach Michael Wilson, Norwood has a strong school cricketing history that includes Commonwealth Bank VicSprit quick Julie Hunter as a former player.

Having captained the side for three years, Hunter has played a key role for the Southern Stars in recent years including capturing the World Twenty20 and World Cup titles.

“Mick Wilson was really good in getting me involved and helping develop my cricket,” Hunter said.

“Having the chance to play in the state tournaments was a really good experience.”

Having coached the team for 30 years, Wilson, a full-time English, History and French teacher, has seen Norwood become one of the best cricket schools in Victoria.

Through after-school and lunchtime training sessions, the long serving coach tries to instill the spirit of cricket when coaching his students.

“Cricket is such a good sport because it encourages team building and school spirit,” Wilson said.

“Win, lose or draw, we just want to be fair to our opponents, have good sportsmanship and be humble in winning.”