Mary Ellen Nell McLarty B.E.M.

Mary Ellen ‘Nell’ McLarty is celebrated as a pioneer in Victorian and Australian women’s cricket history. Born in 1912 in Fremantle, she was raised in South Melbourne and learned cricket playing in the street with boys. At around age 18 she joined Clarendon women’s cricket club, taking 7 wickets for 2 runs in her first match. In 1934 she was selected to represent Australia in the first women’s Test match against England — a historic milestone. In 1937 she toured England with the Australian Women’s team, taking 33 wickets at 16.5 and 20 catches — the most by any Australian including the wicket-keeper. Nell’s promising playing career was cut short by a spinal disease, however, Nell’s contributions to cricket continued. For 50 years Nell dedicated herself to coaching and mentoring many Victorian and Australian representatives, both women and men.In 1980 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for outstanding service to cricket, continuing to coach until age 78.

Commemoration 

Nell McLarty lived in the same South Melbourne home from the age of 18 months until she was 86 and was regarded as a living treasure by her local community. In recognition of her long-standing connection and impact, her neighbours successfully nominated Nell to have a lane named in her honour during a City of Port Phillip street naming competition.The Nell McLarty Medal is awarded annually to the Women’s 1st XI One Day Premiership Coach.