Options aplenty as summer looms

THE success of the women’s T20 Big Bash League last summer has seen participation numbers skyrocket among female­ junior players on the northern beaches.

Girls cricket continues to rise in popularity on the peninsula.

THE success of the women’s T20 Big Bash League last summer has seen participation numbers skyrocket among female­ junior players on the northern beaches.

Deanne Hutt, the girls representative for the Manly Warringah Junior Cricket Association, was elated to reveal girls only fixtures begin soon.

“It is well overdue,’’ she said.

“We soon have an under-13s competition with five teams.”

Mona Vale Public School has two girls cricket teams.

The process from social cricketer to potentially representing the Sydney Sixers begins at Melwood Oval in Forestville every Friday night.

With an emphasis on fun and participation, basic skills are taught for those aged between 7-12, part of the T20 Blast.

“We aim to identify talent and then nurture it,’’ she said.

“It is absolutely a legitimate pathway to higher cricket honours.”

Manly-Warringah also field two representative squads – the under-13s in the Mollie Dive Shield and the 15s in the Margaret Peden Shield.

Both teams start on Sunday, with the former away to Bankstown and the 15s playing North Shore at Graham Reserve.