Cricket Australia, Women and Girls Week: Jess Henry, a tireless contributor

When Jess Henry first strapped on the pads for the Gordon Cricket Club in the mid-1980s, there was no sign of the wild journey that was about to unfold.

Since Jess Henry was introduced to cricket on the quiet streets of Hornsby Heights in Sydney’s north, her love of the game has never diminished.

In the four decades since, Henry has ridden the rise of women’s cricket from the suburban back blocks to the prime time.

Still adding to her tally of more than 500 grade appearances for the Gordon Cricket Club, where she was president for 25 years, Henry has just about seen it all.

Over the years while juggling full time employment, the dashing right-hander has also generously volunteered her time to manage junior squads while still sitting on various committees for Cricket NSW.

Jessica “Jess” Henry outside the office named in her honour, NSW Cricket offices, 2022. Picture: supplied.

With an office at NSW Cricket’s Olympic Park headquarters now named in her honour, Henry could just as easily double as the poster girl for Cricket Australia’s inaugural Women and Girls Week.

Slated to recognise amazing female contributors from November 21-27, NewsLocal sounded out Henry for a chat, and found her in transit to Geelong.

“Back in April 2019, at the end of season presentation dinner for Premier Cricket, I was tapped on the shoulder and asked to set up a women’s veterans cricket competition,” Henry said.

Winners are grinners, Jessica 'Jess' Henry hoists the winning shield. Picture: Gordon Cricket Club

“As if I didn’t have enough on my plate already, but I’d often thought about it, and I never want to back away from a challenge.”

Initially stumped by Covid, but now with the covers off, Henry is just days away from opening Australia’s first national women's veterans tournament.

With a sharp recollection of the game’s great names, Henry was quick to deflect praise.

“It’s incredibly exciting, NSW will also field two former Test stars in Karen Hill (nee Price) and Bronwyn Calver.”

Just as she does with her time, Henry loves sharing words. And when it comes to cricket firsts, there are none better.

Jessica 'Jess' Henry during the early days of her cricket journey. Picture: Gordon Cricket Club

Quizzed on the death of skirts, she pounced on the front foot.

“You mean culottes – they’re a cross between shorts and a skirt,’’ Henry explained.

“I used to be a wicketkeeper and they were incredibly uncomfortable, and pretty hideous,” she continued. “ I think they were banished for the 1997 World Cup in India when the girls were worried about infection from grazes, so they started wearing long pants and never went back.”

Then there was the day in the 1990s where a teammate fashioned a unique look at Wilson Park, Silverwater – now home to NSW Cricket’s $60 million Centre of Excellence.

“We played third grade there many moons ago, and Berala had some pretty good players who were making the most of a bouncy pitch,” said Henry.

“It was a time before helmets were widely used, and I was standing at one end watching others get out, but I still have this vivid memory.

“It took a full five minutes before we could get the game underway again, after one of my teammates came out to make a statement – with a thigh pad strapped to her head.

Jessica 'Jess' Henry on the attack. Picture: Gordon Cricket Club

“Not to save herself, but to make a point. And it remains one of the funniest things I've seen on the cricket field.”

Despite the laughs, it was a version of the game worlds away from today’s up-market version.

“It's been in the last five years where the biggest changes have occurred,” Henry reflected.

“James Sutherland played a big part and from a NSW perspective, the efforts of David Gilbert and Andrew Jones were crucial to investment in the women’s game.

“So it’s a pretty special time, I wish I was 20 years younger to reap the benefits.

“Having said that, I'll never ever forget for as long as I live the experience of going to the MCG for the Women’s 2020 World Cup final, which was an entirely surreal experience that I could never have imagined in my lifetime.”

With the time almost up, there was one last question that had to be asked. How good is cricket?

“It’s awesome. I can’t imagine my life without it. You know, I have met most of my closest friends through cricket.” a jovial Henry signed off.