Clare Papasergio has been a cricket lover for as long as she can remember, following the sport as Clare King growing up in country WA and later taking it up in Perth.
Clare has recently released a third and greatly expanded edition of For the Love of the Game (The History of Women’s Cricket in Western Australia) in which she looks at its history and some of the notable women players down the years.
Launched at the WACA ground last December, the book details how women’s cricket has risen from a curiosity (with underarm bowling and fancy dress) to a professional sport whose players have become household names. It’s a fascinating 126-year history.
Meticulously researched, the self-funded 223-page book charts the development of women’s cricket from 1895 until today and has a vast amount of statistical information including the names of every WA open age and under age player up until 2024.
It profiles the great players and the pioneering clubs and brings the statistics together in one place and is illustrated throughout.
“I came to Perth from Manjimup in 1969 to study at teachers’ college but wanted to play cricket,” Clare tells Have a Go News. “I was approached by a friend around 1970 and I found myself playing cricket at South Perth against absolute legends and later in the Wanneroo District Women’s Club, which I helped establish.
“I thought, ‘I want to know more about these women,’ so it was around 1979 that I started research and it’s continued from there.
“The book was updated around 1990. My latest effort has taken around eight years mainly because of Julie Taylor’s meticulous editing and Covid prevented me from carrying out further research and interviews.”
Clare and past players including Australia’s most capped female Test cricketer and WA World Cup winner, former WACA CEO Christina Matthews, were at the WACA for the official launch of Clare’s book.
“It’s had a great reception which I’m very pleased about with about 500 copies released,” Clare says. “Christina was very encouraging with my book and I was given unlimited access to the WACA Museum which has thousands of historical photos.”
Clare reels off the names of some of WA’s greatest women cricketers including Olive Leslie, Biddy Rigg, Karen Read, Peta Verco, Zoe Goss and Jenny Owens.
In December the WACA presented every past State open age women’s cricketer with a commemorative cap and bag bearing her playing number.
Clare and organisers are attempting to find any past players (or families of players) who have not yet received their caps.
Clare says she believes WA women cricketers are a talented bunch. “I watch women play more than the men so I’ll watch the Women’s National Cricket League and the WBB (Perth Scorchers).”
Now living in retirement in Wanneroo with husband Frank (not a cricket follower), Clare’s playing days might be over but her love and fascination for the game continues.
For the Love of the Game (The History of Women’s Cricket in Western Australia) is for sale for $40 through the author. Contact her via email: cpapasergio@hotmail.com or call 0422 171 089.
