Beth Mooney celebrates a stellar season

Australian cricketer and Brisbane northside local, Beth Mooney, has had another stellar year playing cricket for Australia.

In January 2019, Beth was an integral part in Brisbane Heat’s Women’s Big Bash League final against the Sydney Sixers, taking out the win and being selected as Player of the Final.

Just 11 months later, Brisbane Heat took out the final against the Adelaide Strikers, with Beth hitting 56 from just 45 deliveries to guide her team to victory – and being selected as Player of the Final for a second year.

It’s been a huge 12 months for the 26-year-old, who started out playing cricket in the backyard in her hometown of Hervey Bay with her brother and sister.

When Beth was asked to fill in for her brother’s cricket team, it kick-started her love of cricket and it’s grown from a hobby to a full-time profession.

“I’m not sure why I enjoyed it so much – it’s like watch ing paint dry for a kid,” says Beth.

“But I learnt that the game itself is actually quite chal lenging. As I played more, I liked the challenge of trying to be better every time I went out.”

Initially, Beth didn’t consider cricket as a full-time role. “I thought cricket would be a hobby and I’d have to have a job on the side. Sometimes it feels a bit surreal to have had the opportunity to make a career out of it and hopefully continue that for a few more years."

Beth has now been part of the Queensland team for ten years, and the Brisbane Heat team for five years.

The interest in women’s cricket is exciting - people are talking about it a lot more now. The games are getting televised on free-to-air in prime time, the final match was sold out, the media is getting on board, it’s a whole host of things.

After a huge 2019 season, things aren’t slowing down for Beth in 2020.

“In 2020 we have the T20 International Tri-Series and then the T20 World Cup. Then we’re off to South Africa for another series, then to England to play in a domestic tournament,” says Beth.

Beth, who recently purchased her first home in Virginia, misses home when she’s on the road.

“I have a few favourite things about the Northside area – everyone is so friendly and up for a chat,” says Beth.

“Kedron Brook’s not far so I take my dog Ruby every day I can. Chapel Park Café in Nundah does the best cof fee, and I go to the gym at PLC Northgate, which has a really cool atmosphere.’

Beth’s next match will be in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Warm-Up on Saturday, 15 February at Allan Border Field, Brisbane.

Good luck Beth!

Photo: Cricket Australia

Photo: Cricket Australia

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