Mollie Dive round four Manly Warringah vs Newcastle Blasters at Keirle Park.
It was our 4th Mollie Dive game. Having come back from the holidays we were all ready to get back into the groove of things. We were versing Newcastle Blasters at Keirle Park field 2, and it was predicted to be a pretty muggy day with some rain. Luckily, we managed to avoid the rain, winning the toss and electing to bat. The outfield was pretty slow but our openers Sonia Punter and Trinity McNeil got us off to a steady start. With the fall of the first wicket, it brought Matilda Brown to the crease and she really got us going. Unfortunately, 3 ducks fell including an “interesting” decision by yours truly thinking I was Usain Bolt and running myself out for a diamond duck. As a result, we were in a bit of strife. In the end our amazing captain Matilda Brown (scoring 41*) showed grit and determination staying at the crease with the courageous Indigo Vale pulling us through to end up with the score 6/97.
We cooled off during the lunch break where Steve educated us about swans and fish falling from the sky (a reference the Molly Dive girls will understand) and we were ready to go again. As we went out to field the heat had picked up both literally and figuratively, the pressure was on. Goldie Conway stuck first in her 2nd over with a wicket maiden. Myself and Regina McNeil picked up a wicket each slowing Newcastle down a little but they were gaining on us and the field felt more quiet than usual. We all came off for drinks feeling flat and exhausted but after a motivational pep talk we walked back out with our heads held high, our spirits in great shape and ready to get stuck in. The 2nd half of the innings we were chatting a lot more in the field and feeling upbeat. It didn’t take long for Goldie to strike again in her next spell earning us our 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th wicket, bowling 3 more maidens. Goldie finished the day with 6/4 off 6 overs. The intensity was rising as Newcastle was making their way towards our score at a steady rate. I managed to take another wicket leaving Newcastle reeling at 9/80. We were all getting very excited! In the 25th over on the 4th ball, Matilda Brown got a nick that went through to the keeper Sonia Punter who took the catch.
Although it was a tight game at times we had a decent victory over Newcastle winning by 13 runs. We got through this game by coming together, supporting each other and fighting till the end. We are currently placed 2nd on the ladder undefeated. The team’s road to the finals is looking strong.
Ebony Davies
