Leschenault and Donnybrook bring Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association women’s cricket to Manjimup

Women’s cricket from the Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association came to the Lower South West on Sunday, with Donnybrook opting to play a 1st-grade fixture against Leschenault in Manjimup.

Neither team was able to host the fixture due to scheduling clashes, but Collier Street Reserve was available as the Warren Blackwood Cricket Association was on a bye for country week.

Manjimup-raised Donnybrook stalwart Lisa Smith said she was delighted to be able to play the game in her home town.

“I just kind of said jokingly one day ‘why don’t we go to Manji’ and it all came to fruition,” she said.

“I’m really pumped about it.

“It’s a bit surreal that everyone’s here to be honest. Very appreciative that everyone’s come down and made the effort.”

Female participation in cricket has grown massively in recent years, with Ms Smith saying she would love to see women in the region have more options to play the game.

“I think there was a bit of interest a few years ago that fizzled out,” she said.

“It’d be great to get that up and running and have some of the young girls come through.”

Donnybrook chased down Leschenault’s total of 107 with two wickets in hand.