Experience counts in T20s

BAY REPRESENTATIVES: The Poverty Bay girls’ cricket team took on their Hawke’s Bay counterparts. The Poverty Bay team were, back (from left): Alessandra Evans, Josie Baxendale, Maddie Ashworth, Mia Reeves, Jessie Kapene and Rubi Perano. Kneeling: Courtney Hayes, Emma Hayes, Keeley-Rose Smiler, Kayley Knight (captain) and Chloe Kapene. Front: Isabelle Evans. Picture supplied

A MORE experienced Hawke’s Bay girls’ cricket team won both Twenty20 games against Poverty Bay at Harry Barker Reserve at the weekend.

School holidays meant some players were unavailable, so both sides drew on representative teams ranging from under-13 to under-18 age groups, Poverty Bay Cricket Association general manager and women’s development officer Mel Knight said.

It was good of Hawke’s Bay to bring their girls to Gisborne for the games, Knight said.

“It was the first home game for most of our girls; we usually have to travel to get games so this was a luxury for us,” she said.

“The games were all about getting some experience and time in the middle, more than the results, and playing on grass was new for a few players.”

Hawke’s Bay batted first in Game 1 and posted 108-7, with Lydia Healey (26 not out) and Margot Scoular (19)top-scoring.

Kayley Knight (1-6 and 15no) and Emma Hayes (1-10 and 10no) were the pick of the Poverty Bay team, who were restricted to 82-4.

Poverty Bay batted first in Game 2 and scored 115-8.

Tayla Hollis (32), Rubi Perano (13), Kayley Knight 13no), Alessandra Evans (12) and Mia Reeves (12no) led the charge.

Natalya Nicholson (2-11) and Olivia Mairs (2-9) were the best of the visiting bowlers.

“Our girls were getting tired due to the warm, windy conditions,” Mel Knight said.

“Margot Scoular (42no) and Cate Pedersen (23) anchored Hawke’s Bay’s successful chase.

“These two will be pushing for places in the Hawke’s Bay senior women’s side.

“We did well with so many younger girls in our team.

“Alessandra Evans (0-9), Keeley-Rose Smiler (0-7) and Josie Baxendale (0-9) bowled well for us.”

The Poverty Bay girls’ next games for u15s are in Whakatane on October 23 against Bay of Plenty u15s.

“Any girls interested in seeing what options we have for girls-only cricket can see us in the Events Centre at the Poverty Bay A&P Show.

“They can register at the Show to enter the draw for a White Ferns shirt and signed bat.

“We’ll be there with giveaways, Sir Richard Hadlee’s new book The Skipper’s Diary on presale, onsite registration for junior cricketers, and other options.”