After a disappointing wash-out for Round 1 last weekend, our women got their season under way with a massive 99-run win away over the Sunshine Coast at Elizabeth Daniels Park.
The day began with presentations to Grace Harris and Ashleigh Sims for reaching their 150-game milestones for Wests in womens grade cricket. Big congratulations and the club’s thanks to both Grace and Ash for their sterling performances and loyalty to the club over a number of seasons!
Grace then graciously (!) presented newly-minted first grade caps to the players. This presentation marked the first time specific first grade playing caps have been presented to the club’s first grade women’s team. Each cap is individually marked with the players first grade player number and name, and it will be presented to all new first grade players on debut from now onward. Congratulations to the players and nice work to Wendy our new club administrator for getting the flash new caps organised.
With the party out of the way, it was decided that a game of cricket might be in order to celebrate the occasion!
Wests won the toss and Grace Harris and Naiya Varidel took to the crease. Grace was out for 7, but Naiya batted on with Ryleigh Wotherspoon, steadily accumulating runs before Ryleigh holed out for 22. By the time Meagan Dixon departed for 38, the score stood at 152 for 3. And Naiya batted on. Several batters came and went, all contributing a few here and a few there. And Naiya batted on… until the innings concluded at 7/223 after 50 overs with Lily Bassingthwaighte unbeaten on 7 and Naiya still standing with 91 not out off 140 balls, having carried her bat through the innings.
The Sunshine Coast innings got off to a shaky start thanks to Meagan Dixon taking out dangerous Sunnie Coast opener Mikayla Wrigley. The score moved to 50 for 1 before Eloise Schabe grabbed the wickets of Emma McCord and Ellie Johnson in quick succession. Ashleigh Sims snared Lucy Hamilton soon after, then Naiya took two wickets in one over with her wrist twisters (one of them a sharp stumping by keeper Ryleigh Wotherspoon) and the Sunshine Coast were in a right pickle at 6 down for just 85, and a daunting 139 runs short of the target.
Captain Meagan tossed the pill to offie Lilli Hamilton and she promptly proceeded to clean up the tail, knocking over three, with Ash grabbing her second wicket from the other end.
Wests wound up their 99-run win in 42 overs, dominating with both bat and ball for a promising first outing.
Great start to the season, ladies. Those new lids worked a treat!!
Next week: First grade take on the Gold Coast at Bill Pippen Oval and our second women grade get their season started with two T20s.
Key stats:
- Naiya Varidel 91no (140) & 2/25 (7)
- Meagan Dixon 38 (47) & 1/24 (8)
- Ryleigh Wotherspoon 22 (48)
- Lilli Hamilton 3/10 (7)
- Ashleigh Sims 2/4 (5)
- Eloise Schabe 2/11 (4)
