Spirit beaten for minor premiership in narrow win

Southern Spirit Cricket Club were narrowly defeated by Northern Power Orange in round 17 of Central Coast Cricket Association's Women's T20 Competition, with Northern Power taking the minor premiership in a 25-run win.

Association publicity officer Mr Garry Burkinshaw said the clash was dominated by both teams' bowlers.

"Northern Power won the toss and elected to bat and after Bec Callan (19) and Kerry Mander (12) got the team off to a bright start with an opening standoff (30), a middle order collapse inspired by Southern Spirit's Bethany Leggett, saw them in trouble at 7/51.

"A dogged performance by Kerry Missingham, batting as last batter standing saw Northern Power push their score up to 79 before Missingham was dismissed in the 18th over for a well-made 28.

"Leggett was the pick of the Southern Spirit bowlers taking 4/11 off her three overs," Mr Burkinshaw said.

"Southern Spirit's run chase started badly with the top six batters back under the shelter with only 15 runs on the board, with three of wickets coming courtesy of run outs.

"A determined 28 from youngster Leisel Collins, with the efforts of other later batters, gave the Spirit some hope.

"However, the innings ended with her dismissal with the score on 54 in the 16th over.

"Northern Power skipper Crystal Osborne was the pick of an excellent bowling unit taking 2/10 off four overs," Mr Burkinshaw said.

The win saw Northern Power Orange claim the Women's T20 Minor Premiership off their 25-run win, with the two teams set to meet again come the major semi-final.

In the First Grade competition, the Spirit was washed out in their match against Narara Wyoming.

SOURCE:

Media releases, 24 Feb 2020

Garry Burkinshaw, Central Coast Cricket Association