Playing an all-female game in their home town is an exciting prospect for Tanna Collins and Claire Murray but the bigger picture is what excites them the most.
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Collins, 15, and Murray, 16, will take to the field for Murrumbidgee against Northern Riverina to fight out for the inaugural Kate and Alex Blackwell Challenge Shield on Sunday.
Despite being teenagers themselves, the quicks hope the exposure the women’s game will recieve at the Exies Oval will encourage others to give cricket a go.
“We want to make it a good game and try to get women’s cricket out there,” Murray said.
“Hopefully, it will encourage younger girls to take the sport up and make it bigger in Griffith.”
The majority of the Murrumbidgee and Northern Riverina sides will be made up of players who have come through the Riverina Academy.
A large chunk of the Murrumbidgee side is made up of Hay locals but Leeton is also represented along with three girls from Griffith – the third being Abby Favell.
The side will be coached by Griffith native Jessica Stoll who said the match was a big step in the right direction for women’s cricket.
“I’m very proud to be a part of it, I’ve been playing cricket my whole life and came through the academy just like these girls,” Stoll said.
“There’s not a great deal for them out here so it’s pretty special to be a part of pioneering initiative in women’s cricket.
“With women’s BBL up and running, the exposure is great – it’s very exciting.”
Stoll also said naming the shield after two of the area’s greatest cricketing products was a superb idea.
“It’s a great way to pay homage to Kate and Alex Blackwell,” she said.
“They are a great success story and have been fantastic for our region.”
The match is set to start at 10.30am before the men’s game kicks off at 2.30pm.
Stoll said spectators could expect a high quality game of cricket.
“I think it'll be exciting and fairly similar to the men’s match,” Stoll said.
“In terms of skill level – a lot girls have a great deal of athleticism and will showcase some fantastic cricket skills.”
MURRUMBIDGEE SQUAD
Paris Crelley, Tanna Collins, Abby Favell, Claire Murray, Lily Tassell, Gemma Tassell, Iona Cullenward, Charlee Masters, Ruby Stewart, Hannah Stewart and Jessica Stoll
