IT’S A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
ASPIRING cricketer Brooke Morrish never lets anything stop her from playing the sport she loves.
The determined 10-yearold is set to take part in Townsville’s first Heat Girls Cricket League, which will allow girls to play in their own competition rather than having to play alongside the boys.
Brooke is currently one of only two girls in her junior team for Norths after taking an interest in the sport playing with her brother in the backyard.
She said she quickly fell in love with cricket and encouraged other young girls to pick up a bat or ball, with the new all-girls competition set to hit off later this month.
“Just don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t play cricket because a lot of kids have said to me ‘because you’re a girl in a boys’ sport you can’t play’,” she said.
“Just block out the boys and block out anyone that’s saying negative comments and just keep going on with what you love.
“I love bowling. It’s my favourite because I can get as many wickets as I want, but batting’s really good as well.”
The Heat Girls League is a six-week competition for Under-13 and Under-17 girls to be played under lights at Riverway Stadium on Monday nights from October 28 to December 2. Games are two hours of short, sharp action where all players get to bat and bowl, and cater for beginners right through to experienced players with specialist coaching on hand.
Wanderers all-rounder Paris Baloch said it was her dream to play in an all-girls team and she described cricket as a great way to make new friends.
“If you need any friends, just go up to someone random. Trust me – they’ll be your friend,” the 12-year-old said.
“I enjoy that we get to do different stuff – bowling, batting and sometimes even being captain.
“Just try your best and put all your efforts in and your efforts will pay off.”
Queensland Cricket participation officer Antony Stewart hoped the Heat Girls League would create a stronger pathway for female cricketers in North Queensland to reach the elite level.
“We’ve had great success with our Junior and Masters Blasters programs and then a lot of the girls wonder where’s next.
“Well, this is the answer,” he said.
“Even before we’ve had this pathway, Townsville’s had a really strong reputation for bringing through women’s cricket talent.
Players can register for the Heat Girls League online at playcricket.com.au.