THE women’s game is on the up in Beechworth, with the Wanderers driving hard to grow participation from junior players and senior players alike.

In addition to fielding a bumper side in the Wangaratta and District Cricket Association’s inaugural Under 13 All Girls Cricket League competition, which commences on Friday, a monthly social-competitive T20 series has been organised between the Wanderers and Rutherglen United CC.

Beechworth Wanderers team manager Andrea Belci said the club was driving hard to expand the game to all women.

“We used to have our Open team who played in the Goulburn Murray (league) but the distance was a bit challenging with that, travelling three and a half hours to play a T20 – as much as we loved it, it was a bit hard,” she said.

“This Sunday in Beechworth we’ve got a game between Beechworth and Rutherglen.

“It’s a T20 game, starts at 9am, and it’s for anyone who’s interested and wanting to come and play.

“It’s also a bit of a social aspect as well, just getting a group of girls together to have a bit of a hit, it’ll be social-competitive.

“I’m hoping we’ll have a Victorian player come up and do some stuff with us in the next month, but it’s a bit tricky with the WBBL.”

The open age women’s match commences this Sunday from 9am at Mayday Hills in Beechworth.

While the Sunday monthly matches take place, the Wanderers have entered a team in the Under 13 All Girls Cricket League, with Beechworth fielding a team alongside Benalla Bushrangers, Rovers United Bruck, and Yarrawonga Mulwala.

Belci said she was floored with the incredible response from prospective players.

“I can’t believe it – I knew we’d have interest, I felt we’d have 10 players and I’ve got 16 girls who’ve put their hand up to play in our under 13 comp,” she said.

“I’m totally rapt, and I feel there’ll be more.”

Matches will run every fortnight for the juniors, with the competition commencing on Friday, November 10, with the Wanderers taking on Benalla Bushrangers at Mayday Hills.

For more information on women’s and girls’ cricket in the area, visit the Beechworth Wanderers’ Facebook page or contact Andrea Belci on 0429 917 218.