FAMILY AFFAIR: Pip and Ava Elmes in their CYMS gear after the conclusion of the inaugural Orange Social Women's Cricket League. Photo: CENTRAL WESTERN DAILY
When the inaugural social women's cricket league was launched earlier this year, Pip Elmes leapt at the opportunity to sign up, bringing her netball team as well as her daughter Ava along for the ride.
It's something she never thought she'd get to do after exclusively playing hockey for most of her life.
"I played cricket when I was maybe 10-years old in a mixed comp and that's pretty much it. My brother was a really good cricketer in town so I guess I've always been around cricket and always watched cricket and been interested but never really had that opportunity to play," she said
"This actually came about from our netball team. We were looking for something to do over summer and then one of the girls noticed a post on the CYMS page and it all went on from there."
The social league was a resounding success, with eight teams entering, with Orange City Green taking out the title by beating CYMS Green by eight runs in the final.
Elmes said the relaxed and friendly nature of the league meant everyone was able to enjoy themselves.
"None of us [in CYMS Gold] had ever really played at all except for myself and I think probably one other girl," she said.
"The first game was a lot of fun. We played the other CYMS team and they had a few more experienced people but it was good fun.
ALL TOGETHER: Players from CYMS Green and CYMS Gold after the grand final of the Orange Social Women's Cricket League.
"There was no nasty competitiveness or anything like that. It was just good wholesome fun, we were in support of each other and able to cheer each other on."
Despite enjoying the social nature of the inaugural league, Elmes said she'd like to see a competitive female competition set up for those who wanted to test themselves.
"I potentially wouldn't mind even exploring opportunities for more competition cricket," she said.
Three players from CYMS Green - Jo Ferguson, Stacey Cornish and Meg McFarland - have already had a taste of more competitive cricket with CYMS.
The trio played for the club in the first round of the Orange District Cricket Association T20 Cup against Spring Hill.
Story originally published by Central Western Daily here.
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