Disappointment on pitch for women

Despite top scoring with 53 from 38 balls, Michelle Mitchell could not save her Wanganui rep side from defeat in Hawkes Bay at the weekend. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Anndion Lodge Wanganui representative women's cricket team failed to capitalise on an excellent start to their away match against Hawke's Bay at the weekend.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Wanganui women looked set to shine from the outset with openers Harriett Williams and Michelle Mitchell appearing comfortable.

Williams, however, took a ball to the ribs from New Zealand fast bowler Michelle Blunkall and despite returning to the crease was bundled out for two runs after facing 15 balls.

Mitchell remained at the crease to hit 53 runs from 38 deliveries, including six fours and three sixes. The Wanganui girls muddled on losing another wicket for just six runs, but expected much from the side's best batter, allrounder Jess Watkin. Despite Watkin's class she was dismissed for a duck after facing eight balls. After a further wicket and just nine runs, Esther Lanser came to the crease and made a valiant attempt to up the run-rate, scoring 25 from 29 balls.

Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there and the Wanganui women were all out for 140 runs from 29.1 overs.

Hawke's Bay came into bat with their openers reaching the target after scoring 81 and 47 respectively within 20.2 overs.

Dilan Raj, from Cricket Wanganui, said despite the loss the team were beginning to show promise with limited chances.

"Wanganui is the smallest cricket district in the county, yet we are one of the few that have a women's rep side and we are keen to keep these girls in the game," Raj said.

"This year we have six new girls in the team and we have difficulty finding teams to play, so there are limited opportunities. However, we have improved since last season and I would expect further improvement within the next two or three matches.

"Esther Lanser and Michelle Mitchell, two very capable cricketers, will be taking over player/coach duties and we are confident they will do a wonderful job."