THE Sydney Swans would like to send a hearty congratulations to Swans Ambassador Ellyse Perry on becoming the first woman in 117 years to play in the Sydney Grade Cricket competition.
Perry kitted up for her local club Sydney against Blacktown in the Poidevin-Gray Shield Twenty20 match at Drummoyne Oval last weekend, and played a key role in her side’s victory.
At just 20 years of age, Perry was one of the chief wicket-takers, finishing the match with figures of 2/14 from four overs, including the scalp of opening batsman, Englishman Joe Robbins.
''To get that first wicket, it's always nice as a fast bowler. It probably wasn't a fantastic ball but a good catch in the slips. A good way to start,'' Perry told the Sydney Morning Herald.
''It was just the same as every Sunday … the only difference was there were 10 big brute boys out there and two batters who wanted to hit me out of the park.
“Today was a whole lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.”
To mark the occasion, the Sydney Cricket Club donned special pink shirts in support of The McGrath Foundation as part of a focus on the contribution of women to the game.
Perry’s history making appearance for Sydney came just hours after the dual international played for Canberra United against Melbourne Victory in the W-League (football) in Canberra.
Perry has been a Swans Ambassador for several years and comes along to watch her favourite AFL team whenever her incredibly busy elite cricket and soccer sporting schedule allows.
Perry is a great supporter and friend of the Sydney Swans, and we’re proud to be associated with such a brilliant sporting talent and fantastic young woman.
Keep it up Ellyse!
