Western Power v Southern Rockets
BPL 2022 - U23F
28 September 2022 (11.00am) at Bill Albury Oval
Day 3 of the BPL U23F tournament and the Power were taking on the undefeated Southern Rockets at Bill Albury Oval. A win for the Power was critical if they were to make the semi-final. Emma Jackson won the toss and elected to set a target.
Things could not have gone better for the Power in the early stages. Emma Jackson and Hannah Freiberg “rocketed” to 50 in just 26 balls, then Jackson brought up a personal 50 in just 23 balls inside the first half hour. The 100 partnership came up in just 73 balls and it was not until the 15th over that the Rockets finally captured a wicket; Freiberg skying one and caught by Lilli Hamilton off Filippa Suesee for 35. Jackson continue to pile on the runs, eventually bringing up a blistering century in just 53 balls which included 12 fours and 6 sixes. Jackson remained not out 110 guiding the Power to 1/172, their highest score of the tournament.
In contrast, the Rockets lost Darcey Johnson early when a good bit of fielding by Meghan McCartney created hesitation and a good through resulted in a run out. However, Isabella Sammut more than made up for the run out, partnering with Ruby Strange for 94 in just under 11 overs. Both were out within 3 balls of each other; Sammut bowled by Olivia Clark and Strange beautifully caught by Ayaka Stafford at long off from the bowling of Abby Harris. The Rockets depth then shone through as Rebecca Storrs and Isabel Goffage picked up the mantle taking 47 from the next 34 balls. Another mix-up between wickets and an alert Jamie-Lee Strang pounced to run out Storrs with 14 balls and 18 runs needed. Four balls later, Olivia Clark held onto one off Abby Harris and it was 15 off 10. Olivia Steel entered the arena with intent smashing three fours and a two from her first 4 balls. Scores were level with six balls to go and a 4 from Goffage from the first ball of the last finished it off keeping the Rockets undefeated.
Another narrow loss for the Power.
