Wellington Wanderer’s Blue Schoolgirls XI v Wanderer’s White Schoolgirls XI
Wellington Wanderer’s Blue Schoolgirls XI (200/5 after 40 overs) vs Wellington Wanderer’s White Schoolgirls XI (111/6 after 32.4 overs) - DRAW due to rain affected play.
Last Thursday 4 April saw the Wellington Wanderer’s showcase twenty-two of Wellington’s most promising schoolgirls cricketers at the Cello Basin Reserve in a “Schoolgirls Clash”. The Blue team was coached on the day by Bree James (New Zealand Junior World Series Indoor Cricket Rep, Wellington U19) and captained by Ava Conroy (Wellington A and Wellington U19), and the White team was coached on the day by Dhriti Girish (Wellington A, Wellington U19) and captained by Isla McKenzie (Wellington A, Wellington U19).
The Blue team won the toss, and with the weather forecast predicting imminent rain, elected to bat. Highlights of the innings included the 132 run partnership between Neha Ramanthan (67 runs) and Lily Campbell (65 runs) which anchored the Blue teams inning well into the 31st over. It took an exceptional one handed catch by Isla McKenzie at short cover to send Neha walking from Nell McCrystal’s bowling, before Isla also helped dispatch Lily with another well taken catch at third man from Jess Robinson’s bowling. Ava Conroy had a wonderful but brief cameo, belting off a quick 30 runs shortly before being bowled by Isla McKenzie. Best bowling figures were had by Jessica Robinson - 6 overs for 18 runs and two wickets, and Isla McKenzie - 5 overs, 10 runs and 1 wicket.
There were a few gentle spits of rain as the teams proceeded to the Norwood Room for a combined team lunch, but luck stayed on the girls side and they were able to head back out to play as the threatening rain continued to pass over.
Despite the best efforts of the White team’s top order batters, they just could not increase the run rate or build steady partnerships under the Blue team’s relentless bowling attack and disciplined fielding. Highlights from the innings were Nell McCrystal’s and Sophie Niclaus’ gritty and determined middle order batting partnership. Nell top scored for the White team with 35 runs not out. Best bowling figures went to Carys Seddon - 4 overs, 15 runs and 2 wickets, Eva Hay - 4 overs, 10 runs, 1 wicket, Lily Campbell 4 overs, 15 runs, 1 wicket, Amelia Newell 3 overs, 12 runs, 1 wicket and Emma Parker - 4 overs, 5 runs.
The umpires were finally forced to abandon the game just after 4pm as persistent drizzle settled in. This may have been in the White team’s favour, as they required 88 runs to win off 7.2 overs.
The Schoolgirls Clash was a totally awesome experience for everyone involved. A massive shout out to the Wanderer’s Cricket Club, especially the President, William Marshall, Becs Newell and Jasmine Bailey for being the key drivers that made this event happen at such short notice, and for their amazing support to help grow and promote College girls cricket. A special shout out to Dhriti and Bree for stepping up and mentoring and coaching the teams too. The future of women’s cricket in Wellington is looking bright.
Images courtesy of Becs Newell
