The Sunshine Coast is emerging as a hub for women’s cricket, with the region’s representative team leading the way.
The Scorchers have impressed in their first season in the Queensland premier grade, pushing for a finals berth in the Katherine Raymond Shield.
They’re just one point outside the top four in the eight-team competition, through 10 rounds, and are poised to swoop in the remaining four games.
The Scorchers entered the state’s top division after claiming back-to-back premierships in the second tier, the Jodie Field Shield.
The team’s coached by Ashley Renouf and captained by Clodagh Ryall and it’s produced the likes of Brisbane Heat 19-year-old Lilly Mills.
They’re in form, having beat the Gold Coast at Buderim last weekend, when Lucy Hamilton top scored with 60 runs and claimed 4/28.
The Scorchers also have a team in the state’s second division and they’re seemingly bound for finals.
The Sunshine Coast region also boasts a strong women’s competition.
It was launched in 2014-2015 and is now thriving with six teams in A-grade and six teams in reserve grade.
There is also growth among the junior ranks.
Sunshine Coast coach Ashley Renouf said women’s cricket was alive and well in the region.
“The Scorchers are a very young squad but they’re impressing other teams with how far they’ve come along,” he said.
“And we’re still a shot at making finals, which is awesome for their first year.”
He said the players are very committed.
“They’re just listening and taking on what the coaches are saying. They’re learning and everybody week-in and week-out is improving in some aspect of their game.”
“We’ve had women come to the Scorchers from other clubs to see how we train and try to get more involved, but it’s hard to get them a spot at the moment, with two teams to fill.”
“It’s good signs for women’s cricket. We just want to keep building and get stronger and stronger.”
