One of his aims was to get as many people as possible involved in the sport.
"You want all the clubs and schools coming together and working in the right direction.
"I think we're there now. We've got the structure in place and it's up to us to show what we can do."
A lot of kids in the region wouldn't have experienced cricket before, Smith said.
"We need to make sure we show them what it's all about and hopefully, get a few more of them playing it long term."
Johnson, formerly the women and girls development officer at the Berkshire Cricket Foundation, has visited Whanganui before but not for entire seasons like Smith.
She said making cricket available to females was her real passion.
"It doesn't matter if it's softball, hardball, anything. There are no barriers.
"As Greg said, it's really, really important to give kids the accessibility to cricket which they haven't had in the past.
"We want to make steps forward and build up that programme."
Victoria Park will be well used in summer. Photo / Supplied
There were no plans to play in Whanganui, but she could "bowl a couple of overs" here and there if required.
"I might have to get my kit sent over from England."
The team will be visiting Bulls, Marton and Taihape this week and Waverley and Waitotara the next.
Bowman said it had been at least three seasons since Whanganui fielded a women's representative side.
"We're trying to get that back together again so girls have a pathway where they can play.
"In the junior space, Verity will be offering girls-only programmes. This summer we are looking to start with Years 5-6 and Years 7-8 girls-only teams as well."
A "women's smash" programme for females of all ages who want to give cricket a go will also launch every Friday night at Victoria Park in November.
Aspirational goals like an eight-over-a-side twilight social league could now be followed through, Bowman said.
That league, played on the newly laid pitches at Springvale Park, could also potentially start in November.
Masters Games cricket in February will feature both eight and 11-aside teams.
"One big coup this summer is hosting New Zealand and Australian defence forces in both women's and men's internationals in March," Bowman said.
"It was originally going to be played at Fitz [Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North], but because of [Central] Stags and Hinds games, they've been moved over here. I'm hoping we can hold on to them."
"Part of the problem in the past is we've got a really passionate community who want to deliver, but we haven't been able to go to schools or encourage others to come in because we've been treading water.
"Now, we have a solid base of infrastructure and staff. We can really get back on the path to great cricket in Whanganui and our surrounding areas."
