Elliot Stevenson
[Photos supplied by Solstice Digital]
New Town will host the Women’s T20 Grand Final following two final ball victories against Greater Northern on Sunday.
The Bucks came into the games knowing they would have to win twice over last year’s T20 grand finalists to avoid a trip to Launceston next weekend.
Coach Nathan Wegman found the humorous side of both victories but maintains the Bucks’ success is a product of confidence and improved depth.
“To be able to win two games on the ball was unusual, it was quite funny,” he said.
“We’ve got more depth at the club now.
“The girls have a bit more confidence in themselves and each other.
“We show faith in our players and give them belief that they can go out and get the job done.”
The first match was shortened to 10 overs apiece following Saturday’s heavy rainfall, with the Raiders starting proceedings with the bat.
Opening pair Ruth Johnston and Emma Manix-Geeves put on an unbeaten 71 for the visitors.
It was Hobart Hurricanes duo Lizelle Lee [21 off 21 balls] and Amy Smith [16 off 16 balls] who got the Bucks moving, before West Indian Jannilla Glasgow took them to the edge of victory.
Needing just one run off four balls, Matilda Waddington took it the final delivery to get to the other end of give Wegman’s side the win.
The second game proved no more one-sided.
The Raiders batted first once again, this time scoring 6-118 from the allotted 20 overs.
Manix-Geeves [35 off 35 balls] was crucial with the bat, continuing her strong form.
Chloe Abel [2/11 off three overs] was the pick of the bowlers for New Town.
With a familiar task in front of them, the Bucks set off on their chase.
Amy Smith took control, scoring 36 off 40 balls before being dismissed by Alice McLauchlan.
It was then time for Jannilla Glasgow to step up, with the number three batsman striking at 111 on her way to 29 not out off 26 balls.
Once again, the game was headed for the final over, with the Bucks outsiders this time around.
They needed 13 to win off 6 balls, with Hobart Hurricanes star Ruth Johnston set to take the ball.
After Glasgow ceded to strike on the first ball, it was young all-rounder Callie Wilson at task.
Wilson peeled off 12 runs off just 5 balls, including two boundaries, to ensure New Town would host Sunday’s grand final.
Wegman was delighted to have a plethora of experienced players available after the conclusion of the WBBL season, notably Wilson, Smith, and Lizelle Lee.
“It’s always great to have those girls available,” he said.
“It’s not only good for us as a club, but it’s good for the younger girls playing with them.
“They would have never played with and against the calibre of players like Emma Manix-Geeves and Ruth Johnston.
“It’s really good for the competition.”
Clarence ended its T20 campaign on a positive note, winning its second consecutive game against North Hobart.
The Roos welcomed back Hurricanes batsman Tabatha Saville, who scored 72 not out 48 balls on the way to a 10-wicket win.
Saville hit 10 boundaries in the dominant victory, giving the Roos a confidence booster heading into the Christmas break.
In the men’s competition, a weekend downpour spoiled what was destined to be a busy day of T20 cricket, with all Saturday and Sunday’s matches abandoned without a ball bowled.
Thursday remained the only day that saw men’s cricket, with three games taking place in the evening.
New Town won its first game of the T20 season against ladder-leaders North Hobart off the back of 50 not out of 46 balls from opener Joe Randall.
Led by Nick Davis [46 off 31 balls], North Hobart were able to reach 119 before being bowled out with seven balls to spare.
Hamish James [3/13 off 3 overs] took the crucial wicket of Davis in the ninth over.
The Demons inability to bat 20 overs may have cost them, as Randall and New Town cruised home to a five-wicket win.
However, North Hobart remain at the apex of the T20 table and will likely host a semi-final on Sunday.
Glenorchy has defended its home turf against Clarence with an impressive 8-wicket victory.
Once again, the chasing side proved the winner, with the Magpies making 2-135 to win with 3.2 overs remaining.
Dylan Hunter [68 not out off 57 balls] spearheaded the chase in just his third game for the club.
Glenorchy will need to win against Kingborough on Thursday to make the finals, or hope that University fails to win against New Town.
For Uni, the equation is simple, win and they’re in.
The Lions were victorious against Lindisfarne on Thursday, despite a second innings final over scare.
Lindisfarne duo Charlie Wakim [68 not out off 53 balls] and Joe McGann [51 not out off 21 balls] hit fifteen boundaries between them to take their side to 165.
Uni’s top order fired in direct response, with opening pair Nikethan Radhakrishnan and Tom Chapman both making 40’s, before captain Param Uppal belted 50 not out off just 23 balls, including the winning boundary off the second last ball.
The Lions required just two runs to win off the final over, but were unable to secure the victory until the skipper took to the crease with two balls remaining.
Ben Hilfenhaus’ side are just a win against New Town from potentially hosting a T20 semi-final on their quest for a second trophy this season.