One of Port Stephens' most successful female cricketers has returned home to lead the Stockton and Northern Districts Cricket Club's inaugural foray into the Newcastle District Cricket Association's women's competition.
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Jemma Astley, who grew up and still resides in Anna Bay, will captain the Stockton club in the strong 20Twenty tournament to be played on a Wednesday night over 12 weeks from October to December.
Having spent her early cricketing years playing for Nelson Bay, the 24-year-old has in more recent years been plying her trade as an allrounder for the Northern Districts club in the elite Sydney Premier competition.
In addition to competing against the best cricketers in Sydney, Astley has forged a strong reputation as a skilful cricketer which led to her representing both the NSW and Australia Indigenous teams.
Astley said that captaining a new side was an exciting prospect for herself, the club and local women from all sporting backgrounds.
"I'm very positive about the team's chances, I'm excited to have this opportunity and I can't wait to get the season underway," she said.
"Playing against six or seven strong Newcastle district clubs will bring a change of pace and I am looking forward to the challenge. We will be hoping to field a mixed team of experienced women with talented youth."
Since 2019, Stockton and Northern Districts clubs have forged very strong relationships with both the Nelson Bay and Port Stephens Pythons.
The relationships have been built on a mutual desire to grow the sport in the Port Stephens area and to provide the cricket loving youth opportunities to progress and achieve success.
Club captain Nick Foster said had been a great initiative by the three clubs who have all been willing to work together.
"I think cricket in the area north of Newcastle is flourishing at the moment and hopefully the hard work of all involved continues to bring growth and success. It's really exciting to have someone of Jemma's calibre leading the women's team".
The team will be coached by Suey Stockton-George and Sports4All will be providing free childminding on competition nights.
A come and try day for female cricketers will be held on July 2 from 12 noon (venue tbc). Contact Beth Innes on 0421 664 159 or email beth@sports4all.com.au.
