By Tara Murray
Westmeadows will appeal the result of a thrilling Victorian Turf Cricket Association Women’s match with St Andrews on Sunday.
In a match that went down to the wire, St Andrews came away with a two-run win, finishing 6-105 in reply to Westmeadows’ 7-103.
But controversy surrounded the final ball, and Westmeadows co-coach Matty Walker claims the match should have been a draw.
“We got to the fourth ball of the final over and scores were tied,” he said.
“We checked with the scorer that there was two balls remaining.
“There was two dot balls and the St Andrews player hit the ground in disappointment [at not getting the runs] and then stumps were pulled.
“The scorer then said that there was one ball remaining. They ended up getting two byes and they won.”
Walker said in their eyes the match should have been a tie, as they thought the game was over when the stumps were pulled.
“It’s not really about who is right or wrong, or really even about the points, it’s more about the game being over when the stumps are pulled.”
Outside of the result, Walker said it had been a good game which always looked to play out to the end.
He said St Andrews played out of their skins and both sides had periods of the game where they looked like they would win.
Walker said they entered the match missing a few players because of the long weekend, but other players had stepped up and taken their chances.
“Pam Clendenning made her debut in the top side and batted and bowled really well,” he said.
“It was good to see someone come up. It shows the girls are developing and coming through the program.”
Walker said skipper and co-coach Danielle Linton had a good game, as did Nicole Cutajar who bowled the final over, and 14-year-old Kailey O’Donnell.
Photo Gallery: St Andrews vs Westmeadows
Despite the loss, the Warriors remain second on the ladder, nine points clear of third-placed Glenroy.
The top two teams will play the grand final and at this stage, it looks set to be a replay of last year’s grand final.
Inaugural premiers Sydenham-Hillside sit clear on top of the ladder as they have lost just one game.
Walker said they would love to make it back into the grand final this year.
“It would be a little bit disappointing to not make finals,” he said. “That would be at least a pass mark.
“We’re aiming to sustain our program and be successful for the next couple of years and into the future. Hopefully we make the grand final and can knock off Sydenham.”
The Warriors’ North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s T20 side had the weekend off with a competition-wide bye.
The Warriors are seventh in that competition.
MORE VTCA WOMEN’S NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sydenham-hillside-sees-back-to-back-premierships-on-horizon/
