Will it be third time lucky for the SA Scorpions in 2023/24?
After two Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) Finals in two years, the Scorpions will be aiming to go one better this season and with minimal change to their squad, they certainly have the potential to do so.
WNCL Player of the Tournament Courtney Webb remains in red to lead the batting charge, supported by opener Emma de Broughe and middle-order bat Maddie Penna who also finished in the top 10 run scorers in the 2022/23 competition.
Spinners Amanda-Jade Wellington - who is only four wickets away from being the Scorpions all-time leading wicket-taker overtaking the formidable Karen Rolton - and Jemma Barsby both took over 20 wickets last season and will continue leading the attack.
Only three players have been added to the squad for the season – leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe, pace bowler Courtney Neale and young all-rounder Eleanor Larosa.
Mushangwe earned her first official contract after impressing in nine matches for SA last season, including taking four wickets in the Final, while this is Neale’s first SA contract after previously representing Victoria.
A member of the Australia Under 19 squad, this is the first WNCL contract for 17-year-old Larosa.
Ellie Falconer and Brooke Harris are the two players no longer on the list from last season, with Harris quickly returning to SACA as a Female Pathways Coach.
The Scorpions have a new captain for the 2023/24 season, with Barsby officially taking the reins after standing in many times throughout the last few years.
She will be supported by veteran Bridget Patterson as vice-captain, who requires just 11 runs to overtake Shelley Nitschke and become the Scorpions second highest run scorer only behind the Rolton.
Australian players Megan Schutt and Tahlia McGrath will continue to play a key role in the direction and leadership of the team, however they, along with fast bowler Darcie Brown, will only be available for the opening round of the season due to their national commitments.
All smiles because it's only one week until our first match! 😄 We can't wait to be out on Karen Rolton Oval next Friday #WNCL pic.twitter.com/BcAGUS8haB
— SA Scorpions (@ScorpionsSA) September 15, 2023
After ably taking the new ball in the Final last year, young fast bowlers Kate Peterson and Ella Wilson, along with Neale who has impressed in her first pre-season and veteran Sam Betts, will again stand up in their absence, as will powerful middle-order batter Annie O’Neil.
The Scorpions have two wicket-keepers to choose from, with Josie Dooley and Paris Hall both available to take the gloves.
There has been a change to the Scorpions coaching ranks too, with the newly retired Nicole Bolton joining as an assistant coach.
Bolton recently reflected on her first Scorpions pre-season and detailed how their pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast went and what it was that has impressed her so much about the squad.
With all the pre-season work done, the Scorpions can’t wait to begin their season at home on Friday, September 22 versus ACT at Karen Rolton Oval.
Squad of 13 for Round One v ACT: Jemma Barsby (C), Bridget Patterson (VC), Darcie Brown, Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Tahlia McGrath, Anesu Mushangwe, Courtney Neale, Maddie Penna, Kate Peterson, Megan Schutt, Courtney Webb, Amanda-Jade Wellington
They’ll also play on Sunday, September 24 with both matches beginning at 10am. Entry is free at Karen Rolton Oval, with food and beverage facilities available. Click here for more match day information.