A new women’s cricket season is fast approaching, and there’s still time to link up with your local club ahead of the new look GMCW.

The revamped women’s competition, reduced to seven sides after Cricket Shepparton elected to go it alone this year rather than continue with the combined Goulburn Murray Cricket-run league, will have its first action on October 19.

This year will see significantly more cricket played by the participating teams, with the league moving to a one-day, 35-over, focused schedule rather than the Twenty20-heavy format from previous years.

“We can't wait for the season to start,” GMC vice-president and women’s co-ordinator Kate Carlile said.

“Our competition is continually evolving to create more opportunities for girls and women to play cricket, and we are looking forward to playing significantly more longer-format games of 35 overs in the senior competition.”

This year will feature 10 35-over rounds, up from just two in 2024-25.

The association said it was working hard to create better pathways to the senior competition, with attracting and retaining younger talent a significant focus.

“It’s well recognised by the executive that we need to encourage and develop junior girls to play cricket,” Carlile said.

“With this in mind, the current girls’ pathway includes participating in a mixed format in junior years (particularly U11 and U13 after transitioning from the Cricket Blast program), before moving into senior women’s cricket.

“As an association, GMC is committed to providing a fun, safe environment for girls and women to thrive both on and off the ground.

“Cricket is a game for all, and we encourage girls and women of all ages to try cricket.”

The field is wide open in this year’s GMCW, with last year’s grand finalists, Mooroopna and Nagambie, two of the clubs returning to the Cricket Shepparton competition.

Echuca, Moama and Rochester look to be the sides to beat in the new year, having been the remaining teams to finish with a positive record last season.

The opening round will see Echuca travel to Nathalia, Moama visit Cooma and Rochester host Katamatite, while Bamawm-Lockington United has the first bye.

To get involved with the GMCW, find your local club at play.cricket.com.au or contact Kate Carlile on 0408 415 951.

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Thursday, 23rd October 2025

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