By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs has made rapid improvement this season and a grand final berth could be on the cards in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west B T20 competition.
Having fielded a side last season for the first time, the Falcons were focused on learning the game and having some fun.
With a season under their belts, the Falcons have been more focused on getting results this year.
It has paid off, with Caroline Springs sitting on top with two rounds remaining in the competition.
The top two teams will play off in the grand final.
Falcons coach Troy Blackman said to have had the success they’ve had this season was a bit of a surprise.
“They came together well and won two games last year and weren’t far away in a few others,” he said.
“The improvement is out of sight and it’s starting to show in the results. We’ve got a bit more depth this year.
“The thing about women’s cricket, the improvement is unbelievably quick. It’s out-stripped anything I’ve seen.”
Blackman said they had managed to keep most of last season’s squad together and added a couple of other players.
Alisha Fowler, in her first season, has made a couple of 40s and has shown natural ability.
Shelly Carton, who coaches one of the junior girls sides, has also started playing.
Blackman said they had a real mix in the Falcons women on the improve side.
“We’ve got six girls 16 or under and five who are 40 or over,” he said.
“There’s mums who have kids playing at the club, they have learnt a lot.”
They lost Carol Blackman to an achilles injury. She has taken on the team manager role.
Troy Blackman said the core group of young players had helped them this season.
Many had played cricket for a number of years in junior sides.
He said it was especially evident in the bowling, as they don’t concede as many extras as some bowlers.
Among the young players is Ameila Sevior, who has been picked for Western Spirit.
With such a good start to the season, Blackman said they were focused on making the grand final.
“We’re aiming for it now,” he said.
“It’s a different mindset to last year where we wanted to give everyone a good go. This year we’re going in for the kill a bit more to win a few games.
“The girls are coming together more and more.
“They’re getting a little bit more experience and we’re looking at fielding positions and doing a lot of coaching where they are likely to hit the ball.
“We’ve made a massive improvement.”
Despite the improvement, the Falcons will only compete in the T20 competition and give the one-day competition a miss for a second straight year.
On Sunday, Caroline Springs lost its first game of the season, going down to Essendon Maribyrnong Park/Williamstown Congs.
