Seven months ago, the excitement in Elin Gainsford’s eyes as she watches groundsmen prepare a brand new wicket at Victoria Square says it all: local women’s cricket is on a roll.
Cambridge players (from left) Mia Guzzwell, Poppy Jamieson, Georgia Scott, Tayla Frederickson and Lydia Proffit watch their team in action at Victoria Square
It was 10.30am on March 9, and the first time Cambridge’s senior women’s team had played at the Victoria St venue, where they will have the honour of christening the pristine grass pitch.
Fast forward and the Cambridge women are regrouping for their second season in the Waikato senior women’s competition.
“There’s such a buzz around women’s cricket at the moment thanks to the White Ferns and their phenomenal win at the T20 World Cup,” coach Chris Guzzwell said.
“Momentum is building at a local level, too. We started with eight core players last year but now we’ve got 12 signed up for the 2024/2025 season – and we’ve just had a new team, Star University, join our league, so there are positive things happening.”
The women’s competition now includes Cambridge, Morrinsville-Piako, Hamilton Old Boys, Hamilton Marist Suburbs and Star University.
Cambridge senior women’s cricket coach Chris Guzzwell
It’s only five teams, but for local players, simply being able to play in an all-women’s league is exciting.
Before it launched last October, girls and women wanting to compete at senior level had to join boys’ or men’s teams – an intimidating option for some.
Twenty-three-year-old Lydia Proffit found herself in that boat after moving here from Taranaki a few years ago.
“I played for a men’s team, but it wasn’t that inviting,” said the left-hand medium pacer, who bats at number three.
“I love playing with the younger girls in this team and giving back.”
She would love to see new players joining the squad this season.
“You don’t need to have all the skills in the world,” she said. “We just want people who are keen to learn and have a go.”
Meanwhile, Chris is looking for sponsorship to help keep the female game growing in Cambridge.
“There are a few dedicated people out there in cricket-land trying to create a pathway for girls from high school cricket to senior level – a pathway that doesn’t involve being a part of the boys’ or men’s system,” he said.
“Cambridge Cricket Club has done a fantastic job and it’s exciting to see talented players coming up through the ranks.
“The women’s game certainly seems to be gathering pace at a local level.”
And what happened on March 9 this year?
“Oh my goodness,” Elin says, “we had to play at Leamington Domain and it’s not the best, so getting the chance to play on the square is actually amazing, getting everyone to see women’s cricket”.
The year 10 Cambridge High School student and her teammates warmed up in front of the Cambridge Cricket pavilion, while farmers market shoppers swarm around stalls in the far corner of the square.
Elin’s team eventually went on to defeat Morrinsville-Piako by 12 runs – their first win against the side since the season began in October 2023.
Elin Gainsford takes off for a run in a match against Morrinsville-Piako on March 9 at the Cambridge town square.
