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Laura Delany has had a stellar year for Ireland in all formats, but her impressive performances in T20 cricket earned her a spot on the WBBL Rookie programme with the Perth Scorchers.
The all-rounder will spend two weeks with the side, forming part of the squad and training full time and being part of all the home matches in the series.

During her trip Delany has been writing a blog and keeping us updated with how she is getting on, so now she ha been officially unveiled by the Scorchers, we bring you the first instalment of Dellers’ Diary!

Day One
I arrived in Perth on Tuesday morning and was greeted by former Australian International Lisa Keightley. We headed to the WACA where the head office is located to meet the staff who work behind the Perth Scorchers. I was given my Scorchers training kit and shown around the facilities before I checked into my apartment, which is only ten minutes away from the WACA. Lisa Keightley collected me at 3.30pm and we headed for training at the Morduch Uni – I knew the standard and quality of cricket was going to be high and I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism shown by all the players throughout the session.

Initially I was slightly star stuck as I am training alongside some of the best female players in the world including Suzie Bates, Charlotte Edwards, Nicole Bolton, Katherine Brunt and Elyse Villani. Everyone has been very welcoming and after training two of the greats, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards, ensured I refuelled properly to make sure I’m ready to go for our 9am gym session!

Day Two
Day two started off with an early morning gym session followed by a two hour net at the WACA with the overseas internationals while some of the men trained in the nets next to us with Brad Hogg. Training consisted of game scenarios for both batting and bowling. It’s evident the girls have clear plans in the nets and whilst they play to their strengths they are not afraid to take risks or play innovative shots to manoeuvre the field.

As a bowler you are kept on your toes for every ball and really makes you think when you reach the top of your mark. The same can be said when batting against the bowlers. Variations in the T20 format appears to be a key part of their game. After training we headed for a recovery session at Cottesloe beach which was amazing before finishing the day off with a bit of sight-seeing at Kings Park.

Day Three
Day three started off with a trip to Scarborough beach which was followed up by a conditioning session in the WACA gym in the afternoon. The team then had their final session before the first game against the Brisbane Heat. Training involved a competitive warm up game of Aussie rules and then it was straight into the nets.

With my apartment only located 10 minutes from the WACA I decided to walk home something I immediately regretted. Thinking I was local and settled in knowing the area well, I took the wrong turn coming out of the WACA resulting in a 45 minute walk home. I haven’t had time to respond to everyone but the support and encouragement I’ve received whilst I’ve been away has been incredible and I really appreciate it.

Day Four
Edwards and Bates collected me at 8am and we headed for Aquinas College. The pitch looked specular and stands were set up all around as the Scorchers men’s team were playing the Legends XI afterwards, I have to say I envied the girls playing on such a great pitch in front of a good crowd. A great performance sealed their first win of the tournament against Brisbane Heat who are quite a strong side.

It was amazing to see the girls play and the standard of play was extremely high. After their win we went and showed our support for the Perth Lynx basketball team, all in all a great day. Hoping for more of the same with another two big games this weekend.

Day Five
Today was pretty short. The girls kicked off again at 10am in the same venue and had a very convincing win against the Sydney Sixers, bowling them out for 89 runs. The Scorchers then chased this down only losing one wicket.

The team was delighted to make it two from two and some of the girls stayed on to watch Brisbane Heat take on the Sydney Sixers and see Grace Harris put on a very entertaining batting performance clearing the ropes on several occasions.

Day Six
Day six started off with a fan day in the WACA stadium with the men’s scorcher team. Players signed autographs inside whilst some of us played games and went through drills with kids outside.

After that it was time for the ladies’ third game versus Brisbane Heat. The scorchers had only beaten this team on the last ball two days before so we knew it would be a close game. Brisbane Heat took all their opportunities and got off to a flying start having the Scorchers four down within the first ten overs. During the batting innings I was required to do an interview with 91.3 SportFm in which we chatted about my experiences so far as a rookie with the Perth Scorchers.

It was another close game but unfortunately this one was won by the Brisbane Heat in the 19th over. It was an amazing experience to watch the girls play in such a great venue with a good crowd cheering them on. Whilst the next few days will be quite light for the team as they travel to Sydney I’ll be starting back in the gym and nets tomorrow afternoon.

Dellers will be back later in the week with the next instalment of her diary as she starts her second week with the Scorchers.


Laura Delany (right) with fellow Scorchers Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards
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