Cricket in Long Skirts: Women's Cricket 1905-1916

A history of the first eleven years of women's cricket as an organised competition. The Victorian Ladies' Cricket Association was formed in 1905. This ceased to function after the 1915-16 season largely due to the war and the need for women to expend their energies elsewhere.  A new association was formed in 1924 - The Victorian Women's Cricket Association.

The foundation of the VLCA was centred in East Melbourne and the church of St Peter's Eastern Hill in particular. Women's cricket previously had been played as a social game, often as a charity fundraiser.  Some churches and schools formed their own teams, St Peter's and Presbyterian Ladies' College were two of these. The vicar at St Peter's Canon E S Hughes was a keen sportsman involved in many sports but especially cricket.  His verger, Patrick Francis (Frank) Gooley, was equally enthusiastic. It was at St Peter's in July 1905 that representatives of some of the social teams met to form the new association. Vida Goldstein was elected first president.  Although not a cricket player herself she was keen to advance women's opportunities in any field. However Frank Gooley played the more active role of chairman of meetings as well as taking on coaching, umpiring and team management roles. Meetings continued to be held at St Peter's Hall.

East Melbourne resident and a St Peter's parishioner, Lilla Brockelbank, was an enthusiastic cricketer and supporter of the new organisation. She was a founding player in the new St Peter's team which she named Coldstream (after the Coldstream Guards) which became the most successful team in the association. After the war she was instrumental in the establishment of the revitalised Victorian Women's Cricket Association.

Matches were regularly played in various parts of East Melbourne: Yarra Park, the Friendly Society Gardens (Olympic Park), Powlett Reserve and 'Albert Park - Hart's Paddock - cnr Clarendon and Victoria Parade'.

The book has many black and white photos. No index

The author, Betty Butcher, devoted much time and skill to women's cricket as a player, coach and administrator.