The winning team has it all. From left, back: Keira Perry, Mary Molloy, Taryn Heddo, Lauren Smith, Lily Bardsley - Captain, Maisy Gibson, Stef Daffara, Emma Newman, Ash Gardiner, Claire Rees, Jess Henry. Front from left: Jenny Taffs, Anna Horton, Maitlan Brown, Tanya Bailey, Hamish Solomons. PICTURE: ADAM TRAFFORD
NEW South Wales has defended its national under-18 female cricket title.
NSW secured the championship with 7-253 against Victoria in Ballarat yesterday.
Victoria was never in the hunt after losing early wickets in its run chase, replying with 133.
The Vics defeated their northern rival earlier in the carnival, but could only bat for 39 overs in the 50 over-a-side final at the Eastern Oval.
Ballarat representative Sarah Tatchell (Napoleons-Sebastopol) said the loss was a disappointing end to the carnival.
“After we lost to New South Wales last year, we really wanted to get one back, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case,” Tatchell said.
The 17-year-old said the first game was her highlight of the tournament, scoring one of her 20s and getting two wickets against New South, but had been quieter in other matches.
Tatchell’s last junior national championships, she said the loss hurts a bit more.
At one stage, the Vics were 6-61, but the final partnership of Charlotte Killeen and Kyra Black worked hard to keep the increasing the score, making 34 between them.
“It was a big responsibility for the girls, not to throw it away, but they dug deep and put lots of runs on the board,” Tatchell said. Coach Liam Castellas said the girls had a fantastic week.
