Brisbane Heat superstar Beth Mooney inspiring the next generation of Gators’ cricketers

Brisbane Heat superstar Beth Mooney was inspiring the next generation of Sandgate-Redcliffe cricketers. So says Gators’ women’s head coach Bruce Arrold whose team, led by century maker Georgia Voll, swept to victory at the same time Mooney was piloting Heat toward its second successive WBBL title.

Brisbane Heat superstar Beth Mooney was continuing to inspire the next generation of Sandgate-Redcliffe female cricketers.

That is the opinion of Gators’ women’s head coach Bruce Arrold whose team, led by century maker Georgia Voll, swept to a stunning win over University on Sunday at the same time Mooney was piloting Heat toward its second successive WBBL title.

Beth Mooney celebrates victory on Sunday. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“All the girls want to be like her,’’ Arrold said.

“They all want to play at that level and it is a great thing knowing they (Mooney and fellow Gators’ WBBL players Lilly Mills and Jemma Barsby) play at that level.’’

Zoe Valencic bowls for Sandgate-Redcliffe last weekend. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Arrold said Mooney, who produced back-to-back, matchwinning half centuries in successive WBBL finals, was a role model to his young group.

“She is a huge role model for our girls and they want to become the next Beth Mooney.’’

MOONEY’S HIGH PRAISE FOR CAPTAIN KIRBY

He said when Mooney turns up to training accompanied by her “puppy’’, it gives the group a lift.

Shelley Savage and Olivia Roche celebrate a wicket. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“They think ‘if Beth Mooney can do it, we can do it’.

“We are over the moon for her,’’ he said.

Gators’ keeper Caitlin Mair. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Arrold also praised Mooney’s fitness and endurance, saying her fielding or glovework does not take the gloss of her ability to bat deep into a batting innings.

“She leads by example,’’ Arrold said.

GRACE HARRIS A STAR – EVEN BEFORE SHE BATS, BOWLS OR FIELDS

Last weekend Sandgate-Redcliffe’s young side climbed above University on the Raymont Shield premiership ladder, moving to second position after beating The Students.

Sandgate appeared in danger when University amassed 249 from 50 overs, but the Gators passed that total (5-251) with two a half over to spare.

Julia Cavanough bowls left arm for Gators. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Toowoomba schoolgirl Georgia Voll (101, 116 balls) anchored the run chase which was helped by Kirsten Davey (63).

Shelley Savage (27 not out) and Iris Zwilling (13 not out) then kept their nerves as the overs wound down after coming together under pressure at 5-213. “We are heading in the right direction,’’ praised Arrold.