Valley v Wynnum Manly

First Grade Women Round 27

25 February 2024 at Peter Easton Oval

Holly Barr won the toss and elected to bowl, but that was just about the only joy for Wynnum Manly on a day when “Catches win Matches” was never truer at Peter Easton Oval.

The 10th over, Amreen Kahlon’s first, yielded the first wicket for Wynnum when Astrid Muniandy got under one at mid-off. Then in the 12th, Amreen’s second, Bourke (on 22) pushed one toward the fielder in close on the off side and was dropped. Bourke went on to score 107 from 122, breaking the spirit of the Wynnum side. Bourke’s partner Meg Jones provided valuable support in a partnership of 157 from 210 balls, but not before being dropped on 24 and again on 42 on her way to a 50. Bourke and Jones eventually fell within six balls of each other in the 44th and 45th overs. The bowlers toiled hard in oppressive conditions; Holly Barr picked up the wicket of Jones and a run out in the final over while Grace Collins’ C&B brought about the dismissal of Bourke. Shashi Appuhamilage bowled beautifully for a return of 1/19 from a full 10 overs.

If Valley were dominant with the bat, they were ruthless in pressing home their advantage over a Wynnum outfit fatigued from a 50 over stint in the field. Valley opening bowlers, Meg Jones (2/11) and Abby Harris (3/3) tore through the top order in the first 10 overs, reducing Wynnum to 5/16. The next 10 overs weren’t much better as Meghan McCartney and Billie Ryan picked up 3/17 to make it 8/33. Allegra Pollack and Samantha Smithers “belted” a few in a 25 run partnership for the 9th wicket; both reaching double figures. The chase ended on 63 in the 27th over.

There will be better days!