Miranda Broekman had never given the idea of playing the game a second thought, until now.

Starting Monday, the Gunnedah gal will side with Tamworth Old Boys in the Tamworth Ladies Super 11 T20 Blast.

The all-girl competition features six rounds played each Monday evening in a 11-a-side, 20-over format, supported by the senior Tamworth cricket clubs.

Miranda, who works in Tamworth but returns weekly to visit family in Gunnedah, only played her first cricket match last year.

Her debut came after some light-hearted pressure by boyfriend and Old Boys cricketer, Mitch Swain, who also captained the Gunnedah First XI.

But Miranda was puzzled as to what she would be able to contribute to the team.

“I can’t bat, I can’t catch, I can’t bowl... the only thing I can do is run,” Miranda mused.

She batted in her first match and despite not scoring a run, remained not out. 

By the second game, Miranda was already bowling and finished with three wickets, albeit by unorthodox methods.

“I think the ball had three or four bounces in between,” she said of her bowling delivery.

“But it was really good fun, I had a great time,” the rookie added.

She considered the best part of cricket was the “team camaraderie” and friendships made, a positive outlook which is sure to place her in good stead for the upcoming Tamworth women’s T20.

The Tamworth games will also involve a softer cricket ball, so girls can bat without having to don full protective cricket gear. 

Cricket NSW Central North development manager, Kath Barber, said women’s cricket continues to strengthen in Australia, particularly with the introduction of the Women’s Big Bash League this season.

Tamworth’s Erin Osborne played with the premiership-winning Sydney Thunder franchise and Gunnedah star Emily Leys was runner-up with the Sydney Sixers.

Barber said anyone can join a team in the Tamworth competition, all they needed was a set of sports shoes.

“Women’s cricket is growing at a great pace and Tamworth cricket is ahead of the game thanks to great role models and super levels of support from the six men’s cricket clubs who assist with fees, uniforms and turn out each week in strength to support the girls from the sidelines,” Barber said.

For more information on the Tamworth women's competition contact: kathy.barber@cricketnsw.com.au or Ben Middlebrook at Tamworth District Cricket Association.