Tara Murray
Point Cook Cricket Club is keen on building the pathways for females within the club and sport.
After a successful first season having a women’s side, the club is looking at growing in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.
N ew coach Ollie D’rozario said the club was really keen to grow the female program. She said they were looking to build on the platform they set last year.
“Adrian Farrierhas been really supportive about getting the women’s side up and going,” she said.
“Last year we had one team, this year we would like to get a second team and recruit more players.
“We want to get more juniors too. We have an under-11 team and the goal is to get under-13 and under-16 sides up as well.
“We want to develop a strong female program at Point Cook.”
D’rozario comes to Point Cook from Gellibrand, which also competes in the NWMCA. She has long been involved in the sport, playing at higher levels.
She said now there was an option for those who don’t have the time to spend all day playing cricket.
For D’rozario it was the connection she made with a lot of the Point Cook players that had led her to the club.
“I’ve been coaching these ladies the last few months in the mid year cricket competition,” he said.
“It’s the first time they had a female competition. These ladies they’ve really impressed me. They’re all committed and coming to training.
“I tell them to take a week off and they still come. Their commitment is second to none.”
D’rozario said the experience of playing together in the winter season would hold them in good stead when the summer season gets underway.
She said they were expecting to be in division 3, the same division they were in last season, when they made the semi finals.
“The summer season is the important one,” she said. “There’s lots of good opportunities and training is very different to playing.
“We now have a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses and the good combos and what works.
“The girls have confidence and the standard is a lot higher than in summer. It will keep them in good stead.”
Any females interested in playing are encouraged to contact the club, at cricket@pointcookcc.org.au.
Point Cook has now locked in both their coaches, with Carmine Conte appointed coach for the men’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association 22-23 season.
It’s not the first time Conte has coached the club.
“Carmine was previously the coach of the club back when we were based in Wyndham, he is also a Ken Haining Medal winner and a life member,” the club’s social media post said.
“Carmine is a beloved and respected individual at the club and knows the game of cricket inside and out and has always been willing to pass on his knowledge to both junior and senior players.
“We believe Carmine will establish a strong culture including a greater focus on training and development this season.”
