DEC VicSpirit squad named for 2010-11

There is one change from last year with Commonwealth Bank Shooting Star Cassie Brock coming into the squad, while 28-year-old off-spinner Sharon Coldrey has decided to pursue other interests.

Brock, 19, is an all-rounder and represented Victoria at the CA Women’s Cup and also made a half-century for Essendon Maribyrnong Park in the Essteele Cup Premier Firsts final last season.

For the first time, selectors have named five rookies – a group of talented young cricketers who will train with DEC VicSpirit squad as they continue to develop.

Regionally-based players Stephanie Townsend (Warrnambool) and Laura Croft (Warragul) join Box Hill’s Anna Lanning, Dandenong’s Gussie O’Sullivan and EMP’s Molly Strano as the Spirit rookies for 2010-11.

After making both finals last season and winning the inaugural Women’s Twenty20 competition, DEC VicSpirit coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick is confident the squad has what it takes to perform well on the national stage.

“We’re still a young team, but we’ve got some experience and we’ll continue to improve the more we play,” Fitzpatrick said.

“There’s a good mix in the group and a lot of talent, so now we just have to get to work and make sure we’re ready for another big season.”

Official pre-season training for the DEC VicSpirit starts this week, while the captain and vice-captain will be confirmed at a later date.

DEC VicSpirit squad for 2010-11:

Kelly Applebee – Dandenong
Kristen Beams – Essendon Maribyrnong Park
Briana Binch – Essendon Maribyrnong Park
Cassie Brock – Essendon Maribyrnong Park
Jess Cameron – Brunswick Park
Sarah Elliott – Dandenong
Naomi Fullwood – Dandenong
Rachael Haynes – Box Hill
Kath Hempenstall – Brunswick Park
Julie Hunter – Dandenong
Emma Inglis – Brunswick Park
Meg Lanning – Box Hill
Renee Melton – Brunswick Park
Clea Smith – Essendon Maribyrnong Park
Elyse Villani – Brunswick Park

Rookies:
Laura Croft – Dandenong
Anna Lanning – Box Hill
Gussie O’Sullivan – Dandenong
Molly Strano – Essendon Maribyrnong Park
Stephanie Townsend – Essendon Maribyrnong Park