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Donnybrook family a tower of strength

Headshot of Jackson Barrett
Jackson BarrettSouth Western Times
Shaun, Summer, Daniel and Ashleigh Towers were all integral to Donnybrook’s premiership success on Sunday.
Camera IconShaun, Summer, Daniel and Ashleigh Towers were all integral to Donnybrook’s premiership success on Sunday. Credit: Jackson Barrett

A strong sense of family and community were at the heart of Donnybrook Cricket Club’s first foray into women’s cricket this season, and basking in the club’s premiership success on Sunday afternoon was one particularly integral bunch.

Not only does club captain Ashleigh Towers take the field with younger sister Summer each week, but her dad, Daniel and brother, Shaun are both part of the team’s coaching group.

Ashleigh Towers walks off after being dismissed on Sunday, here contribution of 11 proved vital.
Camera IconAshleigh Towers walks off after being dismissed on Sunday, here contribution of 11 proved vital. Credit: Jackson Barrett

After holding on in a thrilling grand final against Marist at Forrest Park on Sunday, the family reflected on the club’s debut season in the women’s competition.

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“It is amazing, it is a dream come true,” Ashleigh said.

“Dad has been amazing as a coach, we couldn’t do it without him. The women’s team in Donnybrook wouldn’t have happened without the mighty Daniel Towers.”

Summer Towers collects the ball at the top of her mark.
Camera IconSummer Towers collects the ball at the top of her mark. Credit: Jackson Barrett

Asked whether he ever envisaged coaching a Donnybrook women’s team featuring his two daughters, Daniel adamantly replied “no, definitely not”.

“I am super proud,” he said.

“From where they were five months ago and at the start of the season, to see that bowling effort in the first 15 overs and the fielding, they have come along way.

“We had half a dozen girls who had never played cricket before.

“We had a squad of 15 here today and the atmosphere at training has been great, they’re just having fun.”

Ashleigh said while most of her family was involved anyway, the club had become a “second family”. “The club is unreal, the whole town has backed us and it has created another thing for the whole town to cheer,” she said.

The club also returned to the BDCA’s top flight this year, with eldest brother Shaun playing in the first grade side.

“It has been great to see the change in the club in the last two years, we have a women’s team, which is now a premiership team, an A-Grade side back in the competition and multiple junior teams,” Daniel said.

“It has come along way and it is a huge part of our life.”

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