Match report by Nilesh Deshmukh
LWCC U11 Girls 151 defeated SHCC U11 Girls Gold 148
In an enthralling encounter at Blackmore Oval, the Summer Hill Cricket Club (SHCC) U11 Girls Gold team showcased their golden spirit, narrowly missing out on victory against the Leichhardt Wanderers Cricket Club (LWCC). Despite fielding only six players against LWCC's seven, the Golds played with heart, skill, and an abundance of teamwork, making this match a true spectacle.
Batting Brilliance from the Golds
LWCC won the toss and opted to bowl first, but the Golds were ready to set a
challenging target. Opening the innings, Kyah D. and Frida L. laid a solid
foundation. Kyah was in fine form, striking a boundary early and rotating the strike effectively. Frida complemented her perfectly, adding valuable runs, including a stylish four. Their partnership gave the Golds a strong start before Frida retired not out.
The middle order saw Oleni Z. and Elin M. continue the momentum. Oleni, with her composed batting, kept the scoreboard ticking with quick singles and smart
placement. Elin contributed crucial runs, showing great maturity and timing in her shots.
Captain Amali B. led by example, adding two magnificent boundaries and pushing the team towards a competitive total. Debutant Gabriella A. impressed everyone with her calm demeanour, contributing important runs through sharp running and solid defence. Almost all the girls contributed to the total by scoring in double digits, showcasing the team’s deep batting order and collective strength. The Golds finished their innings with a solid target, a testament to their collective effort and determination.
Bowling and Fielding: A Display of Team Spirit
Defending a challenging total, the Golds put on a spirited bowling and fielding
performance. Kyah D. was outstanding with the ball, taking two crucial wickets and keeping the pressure on LWCC's batters. Elin M. added to the team’s success with a key wicket, bowling with excellent control and consistency.
Captain Amali B. and Frida L. also struck, rounding out a strong bowling attack. With four out of the six bowlers taking wickets, the Golds demonstrated their deep bowling strength and ability to work together as a cohesive unit.
The fielding effort was exemplary, with the team pulling together to cover the extra ground due to their numerical disadvantage. Amali B. was instrumental in effecting two runouts, showcasing her quick reflexes and leadership on the field. Frida L. added another run-out to her name, demonstrating sharp fielding skills. Oleni Z. and Gabriella A. worked tirelessly in the field, saving runs and supporting their bowlers brilliantly.
A Moment to Learn and Reflect
LWCC’s innings brought a pivotal moment in the match. Amali B., fielding brilliantly at the boundary, stopped what appeared to be a certain four. She threw the ball to the bowler’s end. Where the bowler swiftly removed the bails to execute what seemed to be a textbook run-out. However, after deliberation, the umpires overturned the decision, ruling it a boundary instead. While this call didn’t go the Gold team's way, the team displayed remarkable sportsmanship, taking the decision in stride and continuing to play with focus and determination. It was a great example of how cricket is as much about character as it is about skill.
A Team Effort Worth Celebrating
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Golds fought until the very last ball, with
LWCC managing to chase down the target in the final over. The extra player in the
field made a difference for LWCC, but the Golds’ resilience, teamwork, and skill kept the game on a knife’s edge.
It was a particularly special day for Gabriella A., the debutante extraordinaire, who
impressed everyone with her stellar contributions both with the bat and in the field.
Every player contributed significantly, making this a match where the Golds’ unity
and strength shone through.
Wishing Everyone a Golden Holiday Season
As the team heads into the summer break, it’s the perfect time to reflect on an
incredible half-season of cricket. To the SHCC U11 Girls Gold team, you have made
everyone proud with your passion, spirit of the game, and growth. To all players,
families, and supporters, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with laughter,
love, and plenty of cricket stories to share. Thank you for your support this year, and we look forward to seeing you all back on the field in the new year.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!