The Ballarat Bolts continue to go from strength to strength, winning its third straight match to start the Women’s Community Cricket north west A season.
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Ballarat beat previously-undefeated Hoppers Crossing by a convincing 10 wickets, to now be one of two teams with a 3-0 record in the eight-team competition.
There was plenty of reason to celebrate on Sunday, not only was it a resounding win, but Shaylea Hestor delivered what will be one of the highlights of the season, claiming a hat-trick.
Hestor had not bowled in the first two matches, skipper Rachael Matthews saying it took a bit to build her confidence up, but when she did, it was an impressive spell.
Hoppers Crossing looked to travelling well at 4-108, but as one wicket fell Hester turned one into four.
Hester removed established batsman Brianna Herman (41) then bowled Hannah Gobbe and then made Shani Dixon her third victim in as many balls.
Hoppers Crossing were all out for 108 and the Bolts’ openers wasted no time reeling in the total.
Renee Moffitt belted 73 runs and was well-supported by Summer Dehnert as Ballarat reached the total in the 16th over without loss.
Matthews said it was great to have another win, particularly on its first outing on its home turf of Eastern Oval,
“We weren’t too sure (how strong they would be), but we weren’t too worried about it,” Matthews said.
“We felt at home given it was our first game at our home ground.
“They just couldn’t get settled (with the bat) because we kept changing it up.”
Matthews felt the stellar start to the season showed this team was a threat in the competition, despite being in its first season.
“We would not have dreamed of it (this start).
“Not many people gave us a chance, so it’s good to show people that we are in it to win it and we do have a chance.”