Harvey-Benger Cricket Club to play inaugural BDCA women’s team in 2023-24 cricket season

There will be a new face in the Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association women’s competition this summer, with another club set to join the action.

The Harvey-Benger Cricket Club has announced it will play its first inaugural women’s team in the 2023-24 season, filling a gap in the club’s offerings.

President Haydn Jones said the club was “very excited” about the change.

“It is a great opportunity for our club to grow,” he said.

Jones said the club’s committee had discussed the move over recent seasons, but the timing was not quite right.

“We now have great facilities, including change rooms and other amenities that are more appropriate for female cricket,” he said.

“We have always been very supportive of providing opportunities for women and girls to play cricket in Harvey.”

During the 2010-11 cricket season, the club hosted the WA State women’s team to play a number of T20 matches against the Harvey-Benger men’s side.

More than 12 people have already confirmed their interest in playing for the side, with Eaton’s Megan Minton set to switch clubs for the new team.

“Last year was my first season of cricket and I instantly fell in love with it, so for Harvey to push for a women’s team and really expand the club and women’s comp is amazing,” she said.

“I know anyone who comes and gives it a try will just love it too, I’m really looking forward to the challenge of getting a new team off the ground.”

Minton said the club had a great bunch of girls excited to try something new.

“So we will give it a crack, have some laughs, and hopefully get some wins along the way,” she said.

An official registration day will be held in September, with club legend Scott Fowler and a number of other past and present players set to provide support to the new side.

Those interested in playing can email harveybenger@gmail.com or see the club’s Facebook page.