Welcome to another edition of Tah Talk with Joel Foster. This edition Joel takes us through Chelsea McLerie and our Women getting underway in 2 weeks time, the annual influx of English players continuing, and our march to the Men’s T20 finals.
A big thank you to Scott MacNeill and the team at Gibson MacNeill Lawyers for their new partnership with this season. If you have any legal needs big or small, visit them at www.gibsonmacneill.com.au
Women Taking Off
It’s been great to see our Women’s program continue to grow in stature, and the excitement is building as their season officially gets underway in just two weeks’ time.
After solid hit-outs against Parramatta and Blacktown in recent weekends, the girls will enjoy a short break before they launch into Round 1 with plenty of confidence. There’s a really positive energy around the group and you can sense the anticipation as they prepare for what should be another strong campaign.
One of the biggest highlights this year is the beginning of Chelsea McLerie’s reign as 1st Grade skipper. Chelsea is a class act both on and off the field. Her composure, leadership qualities, and cricket nous will serve the group incredibly well, and I know she’s got the full support of the squad behind her.
On a personal note, I’ve had the chance to share the stage with Chelsea at a number of events during the off-season, and I have to say she impressed me greatly. The way she spoke about leadership, culture, and the importance of growth within our club shows just how ready she is for this challenge. We’re lucky to have her at the helm, and I can’t wait to see her lead the girls into what promises to be a big year.
Pom Pilgrimage Continues
It’s always a thrill to welcome our overseas players into the fold, and this year we’re delighted to see tthat continue with the return of some familiar and new faces. First and foremost, we welcome back Georgia Adams who has been a great part of our women’s program over the last few seasons. Georgia’s quality, both as a cricketer and as a leader, is something we hope to see as much of as possible, pending NSW and WBBL commitments..
This time, though, Georgia hasn’t come alone. Her younger sister Mollie Adams has joined the Waratahs for the first time, and we couldn’t be more excited. Mollie comes with strong credentials from Sussex in the UK, where she has established herself as a talented keeper-batter.
She brings energy, sharp glovework, and a willingness to take the game on with the bat – traits that will add another dimension to our line-up.
Alongside the Adams sisters, we also extend a warm welcome to Darcey Carter from Kent. Darcey is no stranger to high-level cricket, having represented Scotland in 10 ODIs, and her presence will bring a wealth of international experience to our side.
With Georgia’s proven class, Mollie’s fresh enthusiasm, and Darcey’s international pedigree, the Waratahs’ women’s squad is shaping up as one to watch this summer.
Bring in the Finals
Last weekend our M1s side secured a spot in the T20 finals. Things didn’t start the way we wanted, with two losses in our opening 2 games, but to bounce back and win our final two fixtures so convincingly says a lot about the character of this group.
We showed composure under pressure, backed our strengths, and played the brand of cricket we know we’re capable of. It was exactly the response we were after, and it now gives us plenty of momentum heading into the business end of the competition.
One of the standout performers was Charlie Stobo, who reminded us all that he’s far more than just a strike bowler.
Across two innings on Sunday at Manly Oval, Charlie smashed 123 runs off just 45 balls – a phenomenal strike rate that swung both games firmly in our favour. His hitting was clean and calculated, and it proved just how hard he has been working on his batting in recent years.
For a player who is already so important with the ball, to see him step up with the bat in that fashion was a massive boost for the squad. We now head into a mouthwatering Quarter Final against Easts on Sunday, 12 October, full of belief and with everything to play for.
Finals cricket is always special, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure our season goes deep.
