Sport
25 January, 2024
Champions
WARRNAMBOOL has taken out the under 14 girls’ Western Victoria Shield.
The team, coached by local Tara Eliott, defeated Geelong in the competition’s grand final match at Kennedy Oval last Thursday, January 18.
Warrnambool won the toss and sent Geelong in to bat, restricting the side to 9/63 in 20 overs.
Best of the bowlers were Sophie Brown with 2/4 off two and Lily Shand with 2/4 off three.
Other wicket takers included Reagan Finch 1/4, Lucy Howland 1/2 and Reese Jansen 1/7.
In reply, the Warrnambool girls steadied at the crease to finish the day at 4/66 in the 18th over.
Opener Charlotte Wythe and Zarah Timpson were the side’s top scorers with 14 runs apiece, while Lily Shand finished unbeaten on 11, Lucy Rea was not out on six and Rhylee Moore contributed five.
The four-day competition (played last Tuesday through to Thursday) proved a successful one for the young side, who went through undefeated.
Round one saw Warrnambool take on Colac and District at Pedrina Park.
Colac was contained to 10/60 in the 17th over, while Warrnambool made 1/66 after 11 overs.
Zara Timpson was the leading wicket taker with 2/7, while best of the batters were Timpson with 20 retired and Lily Shand unbeaten on 13.
Round two saw Warrnambool enjoy a big win over Grampians, 2/153 to 9/41.
Timpson was again on 58 while Reagan Finch contributed 19 and Lucy Rea 17.
Sophie Thompson was the leading wicket taker for the side with 2/2.
In round three Warrnambool 5/132 defeated Wimmera 7/51.
Batting first, the girls made 5/132 off 20 overs which included a handy 32 runs from Lily Shand, 20 from Ava Macdonald (retired) and 16 from Sophie Brown.
Brown was also effective at the crease, taking 3/3 off two overs.
In the semi-finals Warrnambool took on Ballarat CA.
The game was a close one, with Ballarat making 10/50 before Warrnambool surpassed the total in the 13th over, ending on 2/51 (with opener Lucy Rea retired on 21).
Coach Tara Elliott said she was extremely proud of all players and the shield was a great reward for their efforts.
“They were all amazing and smashed it, both on and off the field,” Tara said.
“They amazed me every time with their skill, composure and belief in themselves, in each other and in me.
“To go through the week undefeated is one thing, but to do it with so much enjoyment and with constant smiles on their faces makes it so much more special.”
In the under 16 girls’ competition, Warrnambool tried hard throughout the carnival and enjoyed some close matches, but were unable to notch up a win against tough opposition.
Round one saw them up against Ballarat, defeated 4/92 to 7/94.
In round two Warrnambool 4/115 lost to Geelong 1/117.
Round three was another close one, going down 7/53 to 6/85.
In round four Warrnambool 2/72 was defeated by Hamilton District 3/84, and round five saw Warrnambool 8/78 defeated by Castlemaine 3/123.
