HUNTER region cricket manager Neil McDonald is hoping the success of Singleton’s Maisy Gibson in the inaugural Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL01) will flow through to the local level.
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The Thunder’s spin twins Erin Osborne and Gibson paved the way for the franchise’s win over the Sydney Sixers in last week’s final.
While Osborne, who hails from Tamworth, has been a major part of NSW Breakers and Australia Southern Stars teams for a number of years, the Singletonian is a relative newcomer, although she has long been identified as a leg-spinner of the future in the Cricket NSW system.
“Maisy has overcome plenty of injury adversity while navigating the pathway playing in NSW underage teams at National Championships,” McDonald said.
“After undergoing two knee reconstructions and rehabilitation programs, she became the first female to play First Grade cricket in Maitland.
“She travelled to Sri Lanka as part of the Cricket NSW Female Development squad in 2015 and is a current member of the NSW Lend Lease Breakers squad, which contains several national players including the likes of Alex Blackwell, Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.
“While developing her talents as a leg-spin bowler and playing in the Sydney Women’s Grade Competition with Universities, Maisy has continued to give back to Hunter girls’ cricket as a driving force for the formation of the Flamingo’s team that has been playing in Maitland this season.”
McDonald hopes that the exposure the 19-year-old has received, combined with the introduction of girls’ cricket pathway programs including MILO in2CRICKET, MILO T20 Blast and the 6ers Cricket League Competition, will encourage more girls to play.
“We have high female team involvement at school gala days and we want this to transition into the club space by ensuring programs are in place,” he said.
“It’s great to see Maisy having success on the national stage given what she’s had to overcome and we’re all very pleased for her.
“I’m sure her story will encourage more Hunter girls to get into cricket.”
Gibson played in nine WBBL matches for the Thunder, taking 13 wickets at an average of 11.30 and economy rate of 5.6 runs per over.
The side defeated the Sydney Sixers by three wickets with three balls remaining in the inaugural WBBL final at the MCG.
For more information regarding female cricket initiatives, contact Neil McDonald on 0425 297 713 or neil.mcdonald@cricketnsw.com.au
