All Papertalk, all action

Lenny Papertalk has a reputation for getting things done. In other words, she backs up her words with actions. So when she was sent the way of Bluff Point Cricket Club president Jayden Pinto and assured him she would get “the numbers”, he had no hesitation in backing her. Ms Papertalk told Mr Pinto to go ahead with entering a team in the women’s T20 cricket competition in Geraldton. Last weekend, the side made history, being the first all-indigenous (one Maori member) team to win a women’s cricket premiership in Geraldton. They downed Towns, the minor premiers, in a low-scoring but thrilling contest at Wonthella Oval. More than three decades ago, indigenous male cricketers looked likely to make as big an impact in Geraldton as their footballers and basketballers did, and continue to do. An Aboriginal side had won two flags in five seasons in B-grade and impressed in their maiden season in A-grade in 1991-92. But it all ended then — because of a lack of organisers. If there is one thing Ms Papertalk is very good at, it is organising. So she got to it, knowing she was on a winner. “It had been questioned (by officials) how we could get an indigenous side involved,” Ms Papertalk said. “There was no rocket science to it; a side only had to be asked and then it was up to them to make it work. “I had been a part of the Imparja Cup (indigenous) national cricket championships and for years was taking girls to Perth every second weekend for training and playing. “They go there to train and play as a pathway to the championships and bigger things. They are so keen. “We started training with Bluff Point (men) and an indigenous women’s side was formed. The rest is history. “I got to play in a premiership with my daughter, sister and niece and other girls played with their relatives. “I think women’s cricket will continue to grow and grow, as Twenty20 is most popular with the girls. It was great to win with family and friends. I might be able to retire now and concentrate on the administrative side of things.”