Sunny Sunday 24th Jan 2010, best day for cricket this season our girls have seen.
Unbeknown, a disaster was about to occur … our B grade girls were down to five players and a mum, which had all players, coaches, and parents scratching their heads saying, "What's going on?"
At last, the girls had seven … at least we had a start. (Sturt only had 8)
Courtney, Linda A, Marg J, Cara, Kayla, Brandy, and Linda Mc (our courageous Mum)
Batting first the girls were off to a disastrous start ... Kayla run out early then loosing Cara and Courtney in consecutive balls. The girls finished at 6/32 with extras top scoring, along with a few runs to Linda A, Brandy, and Marg.
Looking like an easy win to Sturt who were 0/27 … things dramatically changed ... Cara took 3 wickets in an over and Kayla finished them off at the other end, also ending up with 3 wickets. Linda Mc taking a great catch off Kayla, for the Mum/daughter combination. Suddenly, Sturt were all out for 38.
Just imagine if we had one or two more or even just one solid batter. (However, that is a mere fairytale ending.)
Girls went out for a 2nd innings with Sturt chasing an outright victory. The girls lost Brandy for 8 with some solid hitting over the fielders and Marg early. Then it was the Kayla and Cara show. Batting together, making a partnership of 36, talking to each other at the end of overs. I can not imagine what they said but let us hope it was … "Do not give your wicket away and play straight." It was Cara's top score in B grade and Kayla went on and batted 30 overs almost making her top score as well. Southern 6/74. Now one less Marg J had to go to C's.
After much umpire debate, Sturt had 18 overs and play resumed at 5.30pm.
Our girls were still in the game having Sturt 1/34 after 8, then needing about 3 an over after 10. Linda A took a magnificent diving catch keeping to Cara. Sturt looked shaky at 2/40. The ball was continually going to Linda Mc and she responded with several great stops to save a lot of runs or keeping them to at least a single.
Some fantastic captaincy from Courtney kept the field close up as much as possible … just imagine it … two on leg side, two on off side, a bowler and keeper to defend 68.
For the girls who played today you do not realise it but you learnt a lot about cricket today. How cruel the game can be, but in the face of diversity (get Mum or Dad to explain this one), you became united and were very strong as a team. This fact alone is what I would like you to remember for the future.
The sensational six gave it their all …
Tears were shed, confidence was shattered, coaching staff were put to the test (Stewart and Kempey alike), very young bowlers stepped up, and young girls batted for longer than imaginable.
You six are an inspiration to your coaches, each other, and more significantly those fellow Stingray players who did not witness today.
Please remember all the great things you accomplished today.
Please remember this game for what it was …
I admire your strength, character, mate ship, and spirit shown today. Please Kayla, Brandi, Cara, and especially Courtney stick together, never forget today … win, lose or draw … today was your time that showed the true strength required to form the nucleus of a successful team. Both Linda's, be very proud of your contribution to the advancement of our young girls. Thank you for your encouragement and support.
I mentioned fairytale earlier, OK it was not a fairytale ending for Southern but today is what makes strong successful STATE cricketers and builds a bright future for Southern Districts Women's Cricket.
A bonding of four very young girls who have a very bright future together.
Stewart Allen
B Grade Coach for the day and future!!
