Cricket Victoria names female emerging performance squad

Dandenong premiership player Emma Gallagher has been included in the squad after two strong seasons in Premier Cricket.

Emma Gallagher bowling for Dandenong Panthers.

Dandenong’s Emma “Gags’’ Gallagher has been rewarded for her strong performances in Premier Cricket with inclusion in the Cricket Victoria female emerging performance squad for 2021-22.

The right-armer medium pacer figured in the Panthers’ premiership last season, taking 2-32 against Box Hill in the grand final at the Junction Oval.

She collected 23 wickets at 16.9, with a best of 6-12 against Box Hill in Round 5.

Gallagher captured 25 wickets the previous season.

The Gippsland product has also served Dandy well off the field, filling a number of key administration roles.

The 15-player squad includes Elly Donald and Zoe Griffiths, who were both part of the state squad last season.

The program provides a pathway from Premier Cricket to the State squad through additional playing and training.

It will kick off at the MCG from July 12 under the guidance of Cricket Victoria’s High Performance coaches.

Players will receive expert tuition to fast track their skill acquisition, access to nutrition advice, strength and conditioning programs and presentations from industry specialists.

“Players have been selected based on performances in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition and we’re delighted to see the level of talent in the squad,” Cricket Victoria’s head of the female emerging players program Duncan Harrison said.

“This program will ensure they’re well prepared for the start of the Premier Cricket season and provides a deeper understanding of cricket at the elite level that will help the players in their development.

“Match play opportunities throughout the season, including games against Vic Country, will also allow players to showcase their skills at representative level.”

The squad is: Maddi Albers (Carlton), Addy Campion (Carlton), Elly Donald (MCC), Emma Gallagher (Dandenong), Zoe Griffiths (Box Hill), Alyssa Humphries (EMP), Katia Jomini (Carlton), Danni Montague (Box Hill), Anna O’Donnell (MCC), Tegan Parker (MCC), Erika Quinn (MCC), Paris Rafferty (Box Hill), Sophie Reid (Plenty Valley), Laura Shaw (Ringwood), Holly Spencer (Box Hill).