By Mel Parker. Photos by Emily Livingston.
THE Tamborine Women’s cricket team took to Chris Willis Oval on Sunday January 21 against a spirited Helensvale Hawks as part of the first ever Senior Womens Cricket gala day.
Fresh off an extended break for the festive season, the Tamborine Bushrats put the pressure on the visitors early with some quality batting to chalk up a very decent 141 runs.
The ball found its way to the boundary – and occasionally over it – care of openers Melanie Parker and Tracey Gamble, before the Hawks fought back with some quick wickets to dent the partnership.
The banter in the midfield was as high as the heatwave temperature, as Bronwyn Maroon batted out the Bushrats innings in style to set the team up nicely.
In the second innings, the Bushrats immediately put training into practice as they executed some slick fielding against the Hawks.
Tidy bowling from Tori Schofield and Fran Mansfield was reinforced with some great keeping by team captain Bianca Della to take a couple of early wickets, however the Hawks were too strong on the day and downed the Tamborine Bushrats to win the contest.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how well we played today” Bianca reflected. “For a bunch of local girls, many of whom have never played before, everyone really puts in and has a fun time. This is a really great team to be a part of”.
