Sport
13 August, 2025
'Team of the Year' honours for Hanks
COBDEN cricketer Abbie Hanks was last Sunday recognised as a member of the Victorian Country Cricket League (VCCL) 2024/25 women’s team of the year.
Hanks received her award at Victorian cricket headquarters at St Kilda’s Junction Oval as the VCCL held its annual general meeting and awards ceremony.
“I’d never really heard of the awards so it did come as a big surprise,” Hanks said.
“But it was really nice to be recognised, especially as the only spin bowler in the team.”
Hanks’ 2024/25 season netted 18 wickets at an average of just 5.78 to be the leading wicket taker in the Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association women’s division.
Showing her skills are not just limited to the bowling crease, Hanks made a competition ninth highest 255 runs at 31.88 as well.
“I really enjoy playing in the Warrnambool competition, it’s such a supportive, social environment,” she said.
Having played her entire career at the Cobden Knights, Hanks is thankful for all the support she has had in her cricketing journey.
“My dad (Craig) has been there from the start, helping with my development and being a great support.
“The Cobden Cricket Club is a wonderful, supportive community club to be involved in, this award is a reward for the club.”
Hanks had a busy 2024/25 season, playing 26 matches across the Warrnambool Moyne and District CA, the fledgling South West CA women’s competition and being a part of the Warrnambool competition’s representative teams.
“I really loved playing representative cricket, it was a lot of fun, I made lots of friends and social connections,” Hanks said.
The talented sportswoman, who has been playing netball for the Panmure Football/Netball Club, has had a recent setback.
“I had a player run through me, I came off second best and received a concussion.
“That was five weeks ago, I’ve been assisting on the bench since then, Panmure is a fantastic social club.”
Hanks has her eyes set on another big season with Cobden in 2025/26.
“Our major goal is to make the finals in the Warrnambool women’s competition.
“If we keep working on our consistency and development, finals are definitely achievable.”
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