The Murray Downs Diamonds make their foray for the first time, becoming the sixth Wimmera Girls Cricket League club since the competition's inception.

IN OTHER NEWS: One grand final, five hopefuls: Stage set for Twenty20 climax

Before the action all kicks off again this Sunday get to know six of the league's rising stars.

The Wimmera Girls Cricket League newcomers are sure to spark a bit of excitement in their Swan Hill home base.

The Murray Downs Diamonds will be no easy beats either, boasting a number of Youth Premier League representatives.

Keep a close eye on the newbies and don't be surprised if they finish at the pointy end of the ladder.

RH bat/ RH medium-fast

Age: 14

What are your favourite things about cricket?

I like playing with mates and being in a team environment.

Who is your favourite player?

Marnus Labuschagne.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

It's a great opportunity for girls and each girl will bring different abilities.

As reigning champions, the Wimmera Roos sit as the benchmark side.

All the Roos' players competed in the Western Girls Cricket Cup in Hamilton last month and will be keen to show what they learned.

RH bat/RH fast

Age: 13

What are your favourite things about cricket?

Playing with my teammates and improving my cricket skills.

Who is your favourite player?

My favourite player is Alyssa Healy (Midge) and my favourite WBBL team is Sydney Sixers.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

I'm looking forward to seeing and playing against all the girls I just played with in the representative side in Hamilton.

MAKING NEWS TODAY:

The Wimmera-Mallee Belles enter the new season as the team to beat.

Maddi Fitzpatrick is a dominant force with the bat, but the Belles' strength comes from their depth and fielding prowess.

RH bat/RH medium

Age: 13

What are your favourite things about cricket?

I like that you get to practice a lot of different skills, but fielding is my favourite. I also like that you get to meet a lot of friends

Who is your favourite player?

I don't have a favourite but I like watching players who go hard at the ball and have a bit of fun.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

I'm looking forward to showing my coach how much my bowling has improved. It improved playing country week cricket.

The Stawell Strikers had a great start to WCGL life. Competing for the first time last year, the Northern Grampians bolters claimed some huge scalps in the first block of fixtures thanks to clever game plans and even better execution. Lilly Reading is a talented batter who will be one to watch for the future.

RH bat/RH fast

Age: 11

What are your favourite things about cricket?

Having the opportunity to play and learn at the same time as well as having fun.

Who is your favourite player?

Ellyse Perry.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

Getting to play against all the girls I made friends with in my team at the Western Victoria Girls Cricket Cup in Hamilton.

IN SPORT:

Don't be worried if the Horsham Hurricanes look a little different this block.

Gone are the side's red and blue kit; the side instead donning the purple of their BBL namesake.

Sophie Pietsch will offer some variety with her leg spin and Zara Nicholls has improved out of sight after country week.

RH bat/wicketkeeper/RH medium-fast

Age: 12

What are your favourite things about cricket?

Wicket keeping and fielding because I enjoy catching.

Who is your favourite player?

Josie Dooley from the Melbourne Renegades because she is a wicketkeeper.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

Getting to meet new friends and playing with them as well.

The Horsham Sixers were the big improvers from last season and will be looking to build on that momentum.

The Sixers field a very impressive fielding and bowling unit which is led by Sophie Quick and Lucy Avery.

Improvements in the batting ranks in the off-season should yield fruitful returns.

Look out for Adelle Weidemann who was exceptional with the willow in hand at country week.

RH bat/RH medium-fast

Age: 14

What are your favourite things about cricket?

My favourite thing about cricket is bowling.

Who is your favourite player?

I don't have a favourite player.

What are you most looking forward to about the Wimmera Girls Cricket League season?

Being able to play cricket and hang out with other girls on the team.

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