NSW Women’s Premier Cricket: Southern Swans’ rise from the basement to title contender

Two years ago they wallowed at the bottom of the U18s Brewer Shield table, now the Southern Swans are primed to conquer Sydney’s elite. See how the Illawarra club is growing women’s cricket.

Southern Swans after their semi final win in the U18s Brewer Shield. Back (L-R) Aaron Hudson (coach), Sharlysse Biela, Amelia Valdez, Nicola Hudson, Ava Dragovic, Sally Ryan, Shane Cody (coach). Front (L-R) Reet Kumar, Georgia Lovegrove, Farrah Cody, Natalia Egan, Ebony Winston, Ella Yates, Katie Martin. Picture: Jason Hosken

They’re the new kids on the block, and now the Wollongong-based Southern Swans are one win shy of conquering Sydney’s elite.

In just their third season of NSW Women’s Premier Cricket, the region’s rising stars will shoot for glory against Manly Warringah in Sunday’s under-18s Brewer Shield grand final.

In a stunning rise, after finishing at the foot of the table as Illawarra in 2022/23, the rebranded Swans under the guidance of co-coach Aaron Hudson can go full circle with a victory at Port Kembla’s King George V Oval.

“The girls narrowly missed the finals last year, but they learned what’s required to take the next step,” said Hudson, whose daughter Nicola will captain the team in its quest to reach the pinnacle of the predominantly Sydney-based 14-team competition.

“As a club we’re still finding our way, so in many ways to make the grand final is unexpected.”

Set up for girls with lofty cricketing ambitions, the Swans program coincides with rising interest in the local game.

“The club is focused on offering opportunities for players in the local area, the South Coast and the Southern Highlands,” said Hudson.

“Outside of the Country Championships and the U13 Mollie Dive competition, there’s no weekly formats where girls can play on turf.

“Local player numbers are increasing as clubs start to grow female programs. This year a new development competition has commenced on Wednesday nights and we continue to encourage our players to keep playing mixed juniors on Saturday’s.”

With a round trip for away games typically topping 250 km, it’s not just the Swans’ players who need to buy in.

“I can only thank the parents for all they do,” said Hudson, highlighting a couple of families with extra high fuel bills.

“Opening bowler Natalia Egan is from Bermagui (280 km south of Wollongong). She hasn’t missed a game, and we have another travelling from Batemans Bay. With dedication like that, the least we can do is provide an environment where the girls can develop and enjoy their cricket.”

And with 14 victories and just four defeats this season, there’s been plenty to enjoy.

“A lot of the girls have played rep cricket together, and they all just get on. It makes it easier for the coaches and committee to provide the space for them to go out and enjoy what they do,” said Hudson.

In the long term, the goal is to build a pool of talent capable of supporting a senior side in Premier Cricket. There’s still a long way to go, but for Hudson, occasions like Sunday are an important step.

“Games like this weekend create more interest, and only assist to strengthen the club’s future.”

U18S BREWER SHIELD, GRAND FINAL: SUNDAY, MARCH 16

Southern Swans v Manly Warringah at King George V, Port Kembla, 10AM