Cricket girls set to take title
2006-03-30
THE Boland women’s cricket team proved their dominance once again by reaching the final of the National League for the second time in three years.
After winning the inaugural competition and falling short at the semi-final stage last year, the team was determined to have a good season this year.
During the round robin stage the Bolanders finished on top of their log and secured a home semi-final against Northerns.
The two teams have never met before and it was a highly anticipated match that took place at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The Boland captain, Sunette Loubser, won the toss and without hesitation decided to bat.
The Boland innings was kept on course due to a match winning innings by Alicia Smith, scoring an unbeaten 98 in her 50th appearance for Boland.
She was ably assisted by Bronwen Town (40 of 46 balls), Loubser (25) and Leighshe Jacobs (19no of 13 balls) to bring the innings to a close on 246/9 after 50 overs.
The only Northerns bowlers who had an impact were Caro Labuschagne (2/36) and Marcia Letswoako (2/35).
The Northerns innings never gained momentum after Smith took the first wicket in the first over. Mignon du Preez (44) was the only batsmen to try and force the run rate, but the wickets fell on a regular basis.
The visitors’ innings ended on 152/9 after their 50 overs, falling 94 runs short.
The Boland bowlers that excelled were Loubser (2/17), Nathanael Christiaans (2/27) and Jacobs (2/28).
The bowlers were supported by a spirited fielding performance led by the wicketkeeper, Beth Cartledge, who took one catch and made three stumpings.
The second semi-final is due to take place this Saturday between KwaZulu Natal and Western Province in Durban. The final will be played on 8 April at a venue dependant on the result of the WP/Natal clash.
More
News
|