Melton Centrals has enjoyed the sweet taste of victory for the first time in the CV Women’s Community Cricket’s north-west one-day competition.
Fielding a side for the first time this season, Centrals had shown encouraging signs in its early games.
On Sunday, it put it all together against St Anthonys.
Centrals captain-coach Candace Hulett was thrilled.
“It is really exciting, seeing the hard work the girls had put in during the pre-season and first few games pay off,” she said.
“It’s definitely the highlight for me this season.”
Sent in, Centrals posted 2-231 from their 36 overs.
Hulett, an experienced cricketer, top-scored with 90 not out, which included 15 boundaries.
Hulett though was quick to give the praise to opener Rhiannah Jordan, who made 64 not out before retiring.
“She hit her first 50 and I was more impressed with that,” she said.
“You could see how happy she was and she was really chuffed. To see her hard work pay off was really pleasing.”
With the runs on the board, Centrals were confident they could get the win, but Hulett knew it wouldn’t be easy.
Despite St Anthonys posting its biggest score of the season, the side fell short by making 5-176.
“We had to work hard to get the win,” she said. “St Anthonys still batted well and we had to bowl well.
“Everyone who had a bowl, bowled well, and the wickets were shared around.
“It was a good team win and everyone contributed. Even if they didn’t get a wicket or made runs, they stopped runs in the field.”
Among those playing on Sunday was 12-year-old Summer Lumley-White, who was playing her first cricket match. She’s one of four 12-year-olds in the team.
Hulett said that along with the win, it was encouraging that there were more players wanting to get involved.
The 10 to 11 players of the side’s early days have become 14 or 15.
She said the club was already looking to the future and the possibility of a second side in the near future.
“We would love to have two teams,” she said. “Anyone who wants to join us, come and train … if you train you will get a game. The more the merrier.”
She said the whole club was behind the women’s team and had been from the start.
Centrals are seventh on the ladder with one win and four losses.
This week, they will play EMP/Williamstown Congs.
In the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s women’s competition, Sydenham-Hillside defeated Westmeadows.
Having made 5-105, the Sharks bowled the Warriors out for 100.
