Sport
5 February, 2026
Clarke continues to impress
RISING young cricketer Lucia Clarke started 2026 with a two week stint representing Essendon Maribyrnong Park in the Victorian Women’s premier under 18 cricket competition.
A bottom ager in the team with two years left at under 18 level, Clarke enjoyed the experience of higher level representative cricket.
“It was very good to be part of that, I really learnt a lot,” Clarke said.
“Aman Kaur, who plays division one for Essendon Maribyrnong Park, was our coach - she was fantastic, I really picked up a lot from her.”
Clarke had limited stints with both bat and ball, picking up two wickets from the three matches she bowled in.
Essendon Maribyrnong Park finished fifth in the 11 team competition, missing the top four on percentage.
Carlton went on to defeat Dandenong in the grand final.
Clarke’s captain in the tournament, Ira Aery, made her one-day debut for Victoria on Tuesday against South Australia.
Clarke has also played six games for Essendon Maribyrnong Park’s division three team that plays in the Victorian Women’s premier competition.
“It’s very different to playing at any other club I’ve been at,” Clarke said of the world’s oldest female only cricket club, established in 1905.
“There’s pretty much no males at the club.
“The club has plenty of support from a bunch of old players who come and support, it’s a great place to learn.”
One of the regions busiest cricketers, Clarke has already notched up 43 matches in 2025/26.
Clarke has lined up for Noorat Terang in men’s division two and division four, as well as playing in the Lions’ under 17 and under 15 boys teams.
She also lines up for Allansford-Panmure’s under 17 girls team on a Wednesday night, and plays senior women’s cricket for Pomborneit when she is not playing for Essendon Maribyrnong Park on a Sunday.
“Every club is different, there’s so many good people to learn from at them all.”
Clarke’s cricket journey began with following her dad, Terang cricketer John Clarke, to his games.
“I didn’t like it at first, but then got into Milo cricket,” she said.
“Playing junior girls and senior women’s at Pomborneit is where I really started to love the game.”
Clarke acknowledged the support of her parents John and Jessie in her burgeoning cricket career.
“There’s been a lot of travel but we enjoy it, it’s great to have that support.”