How cruel injuries ‘nearly broke’ Trenaman before triumphant Tigers return
Classy Tasmania batter Rachel Trenaman revealed she nearly quit cricket before she ended two years of cruel injuries in style in the Tigers’ WNCL win on Saturday. Hear from her on her road back.
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Rachel Trenaman revealed she nearly quit cricket at just 23 years of age after an injury ruined two years “nearly broke” her before her triumphant return for Tasmania on Saturday.
Having not played since January, 2023 after back-to-back ACL ruptures, Trenaman opened the batting and made 63 off 97 balls to help keep the defending WNCL champions’ faint final hopes alive against ACT at Hobart.
The Tigers made 6-284 and easily defended the total by dismissing the Meteors for 181.
Skipper Elyse Villani made 117 off as many balls, but the spotlight was deservedly on Trenaman afterwards.
“To not see any cricket, no interstate or practice matches or anything for two years, was really tough. It nearly broke me,” she said.
“I did lots of stuff outside of cricket, seeing if that’s what the next thing is and nearly gave the game away. It (today) is something I’ll cherish, for sure.”
The Wagga Wagga product was due to return from her first knee injury last summer, but suffered the cruel blow of reinjuring it on the eve of the season.
“It was heart breaking at times, last season being ten days out from the season and doing it again,” she said.
“It’s been a bloody long road, so it’s nice to spend some time out in the middle and just be back on the park with the girls. I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time.”
A calf injury to fellow top order batter Lizelle Lee helped open the door for Trenaman’s return.
Maisy Gibson claimed 4-40 for the Tigers, while Amy Smith bagged 3-27 in the bonus point win.
It improved the Tigers’ record to 4-5 before they host the Meteors again on Monday.
Tasmania has won the past three WNCL titles. But the Tigers must win on Monday and their last two clashes at home against Victoria later this month, and have other results go their way, to break into the top two.
“We just have to go back to our processes and keep playing cricket how we want to be playing,” Trenaman said.
“Obviously the season hasn’t gone how we wanted to, but if we can play some good cricket we’ll give ourselves the best chance possible.”
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