Scorpions head coach Luke Williams looking for sustained success in 2021-22

Luke Williams, head coach of South Australian Scorpions, says they proud of their performances last year but are aware of the need to put in the hard work for sustained success as they look forward to the upcoming Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) season 2021-22.



Scorpions finished fifth in the league table with four wins from eight matches during the 2020-21 season after being in the race for a berth in the final until their last group game where they down against ACT Meteors by three wickets in a thriller.



“Whilst we didn’t get to the destination we wanted to, we are really proud of the process that we went through last year. We had some new players come in, and they fitted in so well on and off the field and we saw some real development in several players,” Williams said.



“We are certainly proud of some achievements last season, but we are cognisant that we have a lot of work to do within our program to get to where we want in terms of having sustained team success.”



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41-year-old Williams is also the head coach of Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) after taking charge of Scorpions and Strikers in March 2019.



“Last season certainly presented different circumstances to my first, but I am really enjoying the role and the challenges in terms of trying to help our group get the most out of themselves and each other as we attempt to achieve team success,” Williams said.



“COVID-19 has of course added an extra layer of complexity. Everyone in the world is facing their own unique circumstances and challenges. Making sure we are there for our players and can assist with the off-field issues that they are facing is so important. Everyone’s wellbeing is always first and foremost. Having that wellbeing will then hopefully allow us to play our best cricket.”



From the last season, Scorpions have made only one change to their squad with the young pacer Kate Peterson joining the side from New South Wales. The 18-year-old’s addition will further bolster Scorpions’ seam-bowling attack with skipper Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown and Tahlia McGrath in the mix.







“With some growth and improvement last year, it was nice to be able to retain our list and give the group another opportunity to see where we can get to. But at the same time… the ability to recruit a young, talented and motivated player in Kate Peterson to add to the quality of our squad was really pleasing,” Williams said. “She has had a great start to her preseason in the way she has been able to dive into training. Her attitude has been first class and we are hopeful of some big things from Kate for South Australia.”



“Megan has played and achieved at the highest level for an extended period and combined with someone who is so passionate about SA cricket, she is such a great asset for the program itself but also individual players as they come through.”



Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all the WBBL06 matches were played in the Sydney bio-bubble robbing the Adelaide side of a chance to play games at their home grounds and Scorpions also a played only a few matches at home. With the seventh WBBL season scheduled to start on October 14, Williams is looking forward to return to Adelaide for the home matches.



“We are desperate to get back to our fans in South Australia. To showcase our game and to have them be a part of the experience. Last year we played in hubs, and it was great to be able to have a season, but it will be wonderful to come and play in SA with our fans supporting us. Hopefully we can get some great results in front of them,” Williams concluded.



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Scorpions will start their WNCL season from September 23 and Adelaide Strikers will be in action during the WBBL07 for the first time on October 16 when they take on defending champions Sydney Thunder at North Sydney Oval.