Jess Davidson reiterated her immense ability as the region's best female cricketers showcased their talents under the blaze of the No.1 Oval lights on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Taking on the Coffs Coast Chargers in the inaugural women's Regional Bash the young Northern Inland Bolters side (only three of the side are over 18) acquitted themselves well against their more experienced rivals.
Chasing the Chargers' 4-114, and a chance to play at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Bolters fought hard with the bat but fell just short, replying with 7-99 .
Not the result they were after, Bolters coach Luke Knight was still very proud of his side.
It was an exciting occasion for them. Following on from the men's game, they ran out onto the field through a tunnel of master blasters players.
"I think it was just a great initiative first and foremost to play after the men, and then to almost chase down 114 from the girls I thought was a good display of cricket," Knight said.
Named in the ACT/NSW Country under-18s side to play at the national championships in January earlier this week, Davidson anchored the run chase with a brilliant 45 from 48, the 16-year old looking far from a teenager and taking it to the Chargers attack.
READ ALSO:
"She batted really well," Knight said.
"Played a really sensible innings, got us off to a good start."
"We just lost our way there in the middle where we needed to consolidate and just pick off easy runs."
Claire McGuirk was the next best with 16 while Dahlia Glennie made 12 and with Davidson put on 31 for the first wicket.
Davidson had earlier struck with her first ball and gone on finish with 1-17.
The first time for many of them playing under lights, and bowling with the pink ball at night, they had a few problems with their line, bowling 24 wides for the innings.
"It is different," Knight said.
"It does different things, it swings a lot more."
They did struggle to control the swing of the ball. But that is something they will learn from, he said, and generally he thought they bowled well.
Knight spoke about how great it is to see the introduction of a women's Regional Bash, and believes there are only exciting times ahead for the women's game.
"Cricket for female cricketers in general in our area is exciting now, to have the big bash and other opportunities through our academy program," Knight said.
He has seen the evolution first hand.
"I've been involved 15 years now, my daughter (Taylah) was three when I first got involved," he said.
"To see where it was then to where it is now, another 15 years it's only going to be out of the this world I think."
"There's more opportunity for female cricketers to play locally and then to go and play for their state and country."
