Despite adverse conditions and sudden weather changes trying to disrupt proceedings, the inaugural under 13s Girls’ State Challenge began without a hitch on Monday as talented young cricketers came from across the region to test their mettle on Wellington’s grounds.
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Country Sixers met Metro Sixers in an early match-up at Pioneer Park after the recent storm conditions forced a move from the turf at Rygate. There, the Metro Sixers found stable, familiar ground and were able to best the Country side, whereas the opposite occurred at Bicentennial Park where the Country Thunder took an early lead on the familiar turf and got the better of the Metro Thunder.
Even a sudden downpour of rain that sent officials scurrying for the covers couldn’t put a dent in the enthusiasm of the watching crowd as the girls took a short stop to let the heavy rain subside before getting back out onto the field to see the rest of the game through.
“Country kids play on turf, but not many of the city teams get that opportunity; unfortunately, we’ve only been able to provide one turf due to a hiccup with the covers, but rain’s better than nothing,” said Western Zone Female co-ordinator Marie Cornish.
“Wellington’s probably the home of female cricket from primary school through to Australian level, there’s upwards of sixty people and to have that many represent from Wellington, it’s sort of an ideal opportunity to put our hand up.”
Following the rain, the teams reconvened for the second round of cricket that saw Country Sixers fall to Metro Thunder and Country Thunder way-laid by the Metro Sixers side.
The second day saw Country Thunder earn redemption with a win over Country Sixers and the Metro Sixers continue their unbeaten streak with a win over Metro Thunder, setting the stage for a Grand Final rematch.
Metro Thunder secured a win over the Country Sixers side, while the Metro Sixers extended their win-streak to four with a win over a very determined Country Thunder.
“Just the opportunity these girls have been given, to play at their own level and against the other girls; a lot of the fielding and bowling, you can really tell these girls are stand-outs, and especially the batting, for someone who’s thirteen years old, their batting is amazing,” Mrs Cornish said.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have six teams next year, it does depend on whether Dubbo gets another wicket to run the boy’s competition solely in Dubbo, that way we can have the girls all playing down here,” Mrs Cornish said.
