Tough start for women cricketers

COBDEN’S women’s cricket team had a seven wicket loss to reigning premiers Warrnambool in the opening round of the Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association women’s competition on Sunday.

Cobden skipper Ingrid Bellman won the toss and elected to bat at the Brierly number two oval.

Simpson player Shae De Francesco was a late addition to the Knights team and top scored with 41 from 42 balls opening the batting, including seven fours.

“Shae made her debut for us, she played with a steady head and built a good base for the team,” Bellman said.

“Anna Dickson also did well, she rotated the strike and worked well with Shae.”

Dickson made 16 from 67 balls with one boundary.

The pair were the only Cobden players to reach double figures as the Knights made 5/82 from their 25 overs.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Warrnambool made short work of the run chase, passing Cobden’s score in the 14th over.

Warrnambool opener Chloe McKenzie dominated, making 53 not out from 49 balls with seven fours and a six.

“Chloe is a very good cricketer, she read the game well early, she has great game awareness.”

Teenage bowler Phoebe Harris was the standout for the Knights with the ball, taking 3/11 from two overs.

“Phoebe did really well, very proud of her, she’s a quiet achiever who does all the right things.”

Bellman took the new ball and was Cobden’s most economical bowler, conceding 12 runs from her three overs.

“I’m usually a wicketkeeper, but I’ve been working on my bowling a bit.

“All our bowlers bowled good areas, Shae was great to have in the field, she got the girls chirping and up and about.”

Despite the loss, Bellman was upbeat.

“They’re a very strong side, we knew we had a big challenge.

“We had lots of little moments that were good, lots to take out of the game.”

This week Cobden host North Warrnambool at Ecklin.

“It’s great to be able to use the Ecklin hard wicket while the Cobden Tech oval is being upgraded.

“North Warrnambool are a good team, we beat them by 10 runs last time, we’ll get a few back this week, we’ll have fresh eyes and fresh legs to take them on.”