A second-round loss may not have been the result Merewether wanted but captain Madeline Case can already see how much the Lions have improved in their second season of Newcastle District Cricket Association women's league.
The Lions opened their 2021-22 campaign with a dominant 31-run win over Wests before putting up a good fight in a loss to twice beaten grand finalists Waratah-Mayfield, who are shaping as genuine championship contenders after two rounds.
Lauren Lennox blasted 40 runs off 48 balls and Cassandra Koppen 22 off 14 as the Lions reached 3/86 in a 20 overs that drew praise from Waratah-Mayfield's Kate Handley.
"We couldn't really find a wicket," Handley said. "We had a few chances, a few dropped catches, but we didn't really get that many wickets.
"They batted through all of their overs. Being their second year, Merewether have a bit more experience and had some players who did well.
"Our captain Skye Lovett came in to bat at No.5 and hit a pretty quick 22 off 11 to get the job done for us. It's good to have more games and a bit more competition this year."
Waratah reached 5/87 in 11.5 overs to continue their unbeaten start to the midweek T20 league. They face newcomers Hamilton-Wickham in round three at Passmore Oval on Wednesday.
Lions play back-to-back champions Newcastle City, who are coming off the bye, at Townson Oval.
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"We're definitely improving a lot from last year, and as the games go on," Case said.
"Obviously, it's nice to win and that's always a bonus for the team, but I don't think that's our main priority. It's have fun, establish good relationships and build on the skills and the knowledge of the game that the girls have."
The 18-year-old right-arm leg spinner has been playing cricket since she was seven or eight and was part of the first all-girls team to play in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association competition.
Case plays for Universities in NSW Women's Premier Cricket, which starts on Sunday. She is in the NSW Academy program and jumped at the chance to play in the NDCA women's league with Merewether last year.
"I've grown up playing in boys competitions, so when I heard about the women's competition it was definitely appealing to play," Case said.
"It was a lot of fun and a really good environment. It was also nice to be able to give a bit of insight into the game and some strategies for some of the girls who hadn't played before."
Case has just finished year 12 and has her sights set on playing cricket professionally.
"Ever since I've been a little girl I've wanted to play for NSW or any other state, and playing for Australian is definitely the main goal," she said.
Also in round three on Wednesday, Charlestown play Wests Rosellas at Kahibah Oval and Wests host Belmont at Harker Oval. All games are at 5pm. Warners Bay have the bye.
