A healthy media throng were on hand at the WACA Ground on Wednesday morning to witness the 2002/03 Season Launch of Western Australia's premier women's cricket team, the Western Fury.

The Fury will look to improve on last season's performance that saw them winless from eight matches.

State Coach Murray Robins believes the Fury will be a force to be reckoned with this season and will take it up to the powerful Eastern states teams.

"We are a dark horse, opposition sides are going to get a shock.

"If you are going to play the tough sides you have to get them early," he said.

Captain Zoe Goss said the team has worked incredibly hard over the off-season and believes the commitment of the girls is second to none.

"Sleep is for the weak during the season, you have to leave work early to get to training.

"You play for the love of it," the former international said.

The Fury's chances got a significant boost this season with the inclusion of two English internationals.

Dawn Holden and Sarah Collyer are members of England's national team and will add their considerable experience to the Fury's line-up.

In an interesting twist the girls' will go from friend to foe later in the season when Australia takes on England in the women's Ashes series.

The Fury will take on last season's runners-up Victoria at Abbett Park in Scarborough on Saturday and Sunday.

They will play two one-day games with play starting at 10am.

© 2002 Western Australian Cricket Association

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.