Under 15 Girls – Margaret Peden Shield
ACT v Manly-Warringah
Venue: Jamison Oval, Macquarie, ACT
ACT: 10/230 off 39 overs (Sophia Chick 4/39 off 8, Charlotte Croll 3/34 off 8)
Defeated
Manly-Warringah: 10/73 off 27.3 overs (Charlotte Croll 15)
On Saturday the injury ridden Manly U15’s team limped their way down to Canberra to play ACT the following day, arriving at the ground to find a pitch that had definitely seen better days. The skippers took to the field to commence the toss; unfortunately a loss resulted in Manly bowling first.
Darcey and Sophia took to the field with the new ball and in Sophia’s first over “catch!” was called as Isabella took a brilliant, low catch neatly into her hands, dismissing the opening batter. After the first wicket a lot of runs were made. Sophia then claimed the other opener clean bowled in her second spell with the score at 2/89. Four runs later, Darcey clean bowled the number 4 for a golden duck.
However, the ACT’s number 3 batter, and top Peden run scorer, was still at the crease. Manly’s hopes were fading but a much-needed breakthrough came when Saoirse clean bowled the 5th wicket (who scored 47 runs off 48 balls) but the score had progressed to 4/192. Sophia continued to gain confidence with tight bowling and removed the 6th batter to a good catch by Jaime. Six runs later, the ACT batters had a moment of indecision, and looking for the second run, Saoirse threw in an amazing throw to Charlotte A with the gloves who quickly removed the bails, resulting in the umpire raising his finger. This took the top run scorer out (who scored 89 runs off 87 balls) and changed the game in a moment.
Manly, renewed with hope, took wicket after wicket and in over 33, Charlotte C took out an incredible three wickets, taking an lbw and bowling two in consecutive balls. Although she didn’t get the hat-trick, Charlotte C ended up with impressive figures of 3/34 off 8. Overall, the bowling side took them out in the 39th over for 230. Well done to Sophia C for career best bowling (4/39). A special thank you to Teaghan for her awesome fielding and Erica for her noticeable hard work out in the field.
Chasing down 230 seemed like a daunting challenge, but Hannah and Charlotte C took to the pitch with bravery and courage (despite Hannah having a hugely swollen thumb). After batting a great four, Hannah was dismissed in the 5th over and another wicket quickly fell. The new batter Darcey took to the crease and established a good partnership with Charlotte C. The two girls chose their runs wisely and steadied the ship. Unfortunately, the partnership was broken in over 15 when an optimistic second run resulted in the opposition fielding a great throw taking Darcey’s stumps out. Three balls later Charlotte C was caught out with the top score of 15. Saoirse came in and managed to rotate the strike, allowing Charlotte A to bring some much-needed passion to the field, hitting a great 4 that got the whole crowd up on the feet cheering. Next, we faced a horror over – where we lost 3 batters in quick succession. Erica, on her second ever rep game then came out and took control, ticking over the overs and edging towards our goal of not giving away a bonus point win. Erica hit an amazing 4 and seemed very much one with the crease. Our last batter, Grace, came into the team with less than one day’s notice and we were thrilled to have her join the Manly side today. We ended all out for 73 and although we lost it was a great learning experience for all the girls against the top of the ladder team.
Although injured, Sophie and Daisy came along to Canberra to help and cheer from the sidelines. The girls also had moral support from our other two sick and injured players back in Sydney.
Tough day with many girls frustrated by injuries but well done to all the girls for showing resilience and strength of character. Stay uninjured for next week please!!
