PLAYERS from Ellenbrook Rangers, Swan Valley, Swan View and Forrestfield Hawks took part in the second annual five-day Veterans Cricket Australia Women’s national championships held in Wollongong in November.

This year was the first time the women’s over 40 competition had their own standalone carnival whereas last year the championships were held alongside the men’s national tournament in December.

In just one year the growth in player numbers increased so that 15 women’s teams from six states competed at this year’s championships up from last year’s eight teams.

WA sent three teams compared to two teams last year with a total of 35 players playing throughout the carnival.

Players came from all parts of WA with the east division especially well represented with 14 players in the three WA teams.

Ellenbrook Rangers had four players taking part – Kylie Dolliver (division 2 captain) Liz Dolliver, Anita Weir and Leanne Adcock.

Swan Valley had two players – Tracy Findlay and Kelly Ward.

Swan Athletic was represented by three players – Heather Taylor-Maher (division 1 captain), Karyn Harries and Rebecca Pedrotti.

Kristen Teals, Dorothy Mittrup and Parul Chauhan represented Swan View while Forrestfield Hawks had two players – Kerry Oliver and Chelsea Stevenson.

The championship titles were taken out by Queensland in division 1 and Victoria took out both the division 2 and division 3.

After each game a player of the match is awarded to each team – this encourages and recognises players for playing well as the opposition captain presents this medal to the player they think deserves the medal.

Kylie Dolliver won the player of the championship (MVP award) in division 2 along with player of the match – for the awards the umpires vote after each game for all divisions.

WA polled very well in all divisions, with Regina Deleeuw and Julie Morton some of the players from the state to be represented in the top five players overall in the championships.

Ms Deleeuw finished fourth overall for division 1 player of the championship and also received three player of the match awards, while Mrs Morton came third for player of the championship alongside player of the match award in division 3.