New bash competition for women being formed

South Canterbury Cricket are hoping their new women’s competition on a Monday evening could unleash the next Suzie Bates.

They have decided to run an event from November 6 called Women’s Quick Smash, hoping to get females back playing cricket.

It would likely see all the games played at Ashbury Park, with teams to be 8-a-side and it played with an incrediball meaning no pads, helmets, gloves or any protective gear would be required.

South Canterbury Cricket development manager Shane Gilkison said they want as many females as possible to play.

‘‘It’s open to anyone from about year 5-6 at primary school all the way through to adults.’’

Gilkison said they were hoping to get some interest back into women’s cricket.

‘‘We thought this might be a good way to start as none of them need gear. We just want them to come and have a bash around and a bit of fun, that’s really what it is all about.’’

If the idea takes off and the interest in cricket returns then they may try for a couple of local teams to play on Saturdays but first this was the focus.

‘‘We need to get this right. Women’s cricket used to be strong in South Canterbury and now it’s not.’’

There were a number of former players, who were still in the area and he hoped this shorter more user-friendly version might get them and some new people back on the pitch.

‘‘Geraldine High School will hopefully nearly have two teams, which is great and Timaru Girls’ are hoping for two teams.’’

Timaru Girls’ High School cricketer Ash Mortimer said she’d loved to see a number of people give the Monday night Smash competition a good go.

‘‘It’ll be loads of fun. It’s a lot shorter than normal cricket and everyone will get a go at doing everything.’’

Mortimer, 16, will miss a large chunk of the first six weeks due to a broken leg, but will be there to help out.

‘‘I just enjoyed smashing the ball from a young age and it’s gone from there.’’

Team-mate Isobel McKnight, 14, who was introduced to cricket through Mortimer, said she was looking forward to the new competition.

‘‘It’s going to be fun as we can’t play any cricket at the moment so it’ll be cool having a fun competition like that.’’

Anyone wanting to enter a team can contact Penni Naylor on 0272150535 or South Canterbury Cricket on 686 3377.

PHOTO: MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF Rod, Andy and Hunter McElrea will create history this weekend when they compete as a trio in a car race together for the first time.

PHOTO: MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF Isobel McKnight, left, and Ash Mortimer are excited for the new women’s quick smash cricket competition starting on Monday nights.