Jemma Astley will lead Stockton & Northern Districts Cricket Clubs inaugural foray into the Newcastle District Cricket Association's Women's competition.
Astley, who grew up in Port Stephens, has joined the club after spending her early cricketing years playing for Nelson Bay Cricket Club before moving on to play for Northern Districts in the Sydney Premier Cricket Competition. In addition to plying her trade in the elite Sydney competition, Jemma forged a strong reputation as a skillful cricketer which lead to her representing both the NSW and Australia Indigenous teams.
In 2021 the club successfully ran a Friday Night Women's Cricket program at Lynn Oval but the 2022-23 season will be the first time a women's team has represented Stockton & Northern Districts and there is no doubt that the Friday Night Women's Cricket and it overwhelming success has been the precursor to entering a team in the Newcastle competition.
Club President Marco Caponecchia was thrilled with the acquisition of Astley said "It's great to have Jemma on board and leading our women's team. It's also an added bonus that Jemma has strong ties to the local area and our partner club Nelson Bay". Astley who was also positive about the teams chances leading into the season said "it's exciting for myself, the club and local women from all sporting backgrounds, that will make for stronger competition in the area. I'm very excited to have this opportunity and can't wait".
