Women Gallant in Regional Bash Loss
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Central Coast women put up a gallant performance before suffering an 8 wicket loss to Newcastle Blasters in Round 1 of the inaugural NSW Cricket Regional Bash competition at Sohier Park today.
Fielding a team made up of players who participate in Central Coast competitions the side found the experience of a Newcastle side consisting of a significant number of players who play in Sydney a bit too tough on the day.
Scores:
Central Coast 89 ( Jacqui Chandler 15, Grace Dignam 13) lost to Newcastle Blasters 2/90 (Sophie Shelley 1/10)
Winning the toss and batting the Central Coast suffered an early setback with leading batter, Ella Merritt caught in the 1st over.
Rochelle Davis and Rebecca Callan set about restoring the innings before Davis was dismissed for 7 with the score on 17.
16 year old, Grace Dignam joined Callan and the Central Coast experienced their best spell of the game taking the score to 42 in the 8th over before Callan was bowled for 8. Dignam was looking good before being run out not long after for 13.
Jacqui Chandler (15) and Sophie Shelley (9) also showed good form with the bat however upon their dismissal the innings ended quickly with the last four wickets falling for four runs, including a further three run outs as the side looked for quick runs.
With 89 runs on the board the Central Coast were confident of victory and when Shelley bowled Newcastle Blasters skipper, Kirsten Smith for 6 confidence was high.
An excellent long range run out by Sally Oman further lifted the spirit with the score at 2/26. At this point however Newcastle lifted the tempo and aided by dropped catches were able to pass the Central Coast's score in the 14th over without the loss of any further wickets.
Newcastle Blasters Clare Webber was named Player of the Match with 45no, 1/11 off 3 overs, a catch and a run out.
Overall whilst the result may not have gone their way the women certainly did Central Coast proud in the first ever women's representative match.
The women are already planning for next year’s competition.
Thanks to the big crowd who attended the match to support the women.