MPCA Women’s competition set to expand in season 2022-23

Women’s cricket on the Mornington Peninsula is set to expand, with the MPCA launching a big recruitment drive for new players.

Langwarrin won the 2021-22 MPCA Women's premiership.

The Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association is ramping up women’s cricket and launching a recruitment drive.

The association introduced a senior female competition last season for the first time in its 57-year history, with five teams taking part.

Now the push is on to expand the competition.

Cricket Victoria is getting behind the MPCA to try and attract new players — and teams.

“We are going to do a come and try night at the Mornington Indoor Sports Centre on July 15,’’ MPCA general manager Jason Nagel said.

This leads into a six-week social indoor competition starting in July.

Balnarring players get ready to bat last season. Picture: Facebook

Last season, Langwarrin, Balnarring, Pines, Rye and Tootgarook fielded sides and Nagel hopes more clubs will enter a women’s team in season 2022-23.

“We are going to do a women’s forum on June 22 at the Hastings Club to get any interested clubs there…because there have been a lot of clubs that have got expressions of interest but they don’t know what the next step is,’’ he said.

“So we’re going to bring them all in and say, ‘here’s the pathway that Cricket Victoria are supporting in conjunction with the MPCA’.’’

Nagel said coaches from Cricket Victoria would help to run the come and try evening.

“This is a stepping stone to getting started and then the clubs can get involved and support it,’’ he said.

“And hopefully it means they get a women’s side.’’

Nagel said Somerville, Carrum Downs and Tyabb were some of the clubs looking to field a women’s cricket side next season.

“We’ve spoken to Mt Martha and Long Island about coming across (from Women’s Community Cricket competition),’’ he said.

“Mornington and Mt Eliza, too.

“There are a lot of clubs showing interest but they just don’t know what the next step is, so this is the next step.

“At the forum we will invite the clubs that have been involved to get up and speak.’’

Langwarrin won the inaugural MPCA women’s premiership last season.

Captained by champion Kylie Walters, Langy beat Balnarring by six wickets in the grand final at Lloyd Park to complete an undefeated season.

Many of the players who participated last season had never played cricket, but they said they thoroughly enjoyed it and it was the best decision they made.

First steps to playing women’s cricket:

Wednesday, June 22: women’s forum at the Hastings Club.

Friday, July 15, from 6-8pm: a come and try night at the Mornington Indoor Sports Centre, run by coaches from Cricket Victoria.

For more information please contact Megan Pauwels - [e-mail]