Tasmania's WNCL title defence is off to a strong start, defeating the ACT Meteors by 120 runs at EPC Solar Park in Phillip on Sunday.
Sent into bat after ACT captain Katie Mack won the toss and bowled, the Tigers finished with 8/303 from their 50 overs, thanks to a well-made 90 from Nicola Carey, and 75 from Naomi Stalenberg.
It was new recruit and debutant, Amy Hunter, who flew in from Far North Queensland for the match, who snared the first wicket, dismissing Lizelle Lee for 14, with a heart-stopping four touch catch by Rebecca Carter (see highlights below). It was the first of two wickets for Hunter, who teamed with fellow debutant and local product, Grace Lyons, to take the wicket of Hayley Silver-Holmes. Hunter finishing with 2-60 from her 9 overs.
Jannatul Sumona took 2-57 from her 10 overs. Other wickets taken by Carly Leeson (1), Alisha Bates (1) and Annie Wikman (1 and a run out).
In reply, the Meteors lost early wickets before Rebecca Carter (49) and Annie Wikman (43) added 55 for the 3rd wicket. Tasmania’s bowlers toiled away and were rewarded with regular wickets, securing victory in the 43rd over, bowling the ACT out for 183.
Injuries cursed the Meteors all day, with bowler Angie Genford ruled out before play, while Holly Ferling sustained a suspected side strain in just her second over of bowling, which then prevented her batting. Carly Leeson also sustained a leg injury while bowling that saw her bat down the order as the final wicket. Gabrielle Sutcliffe was ruled out of both Tasmania games, also due to injury. All four players will have scans in the coming days to determine the extent of injuries.
The Meteors will regroup for match two against Tasmania on Tuesday, 10 October, again at EPC Solar Park in Phillip.
Heading image: ACT Meteor Amy Hunter pictured during the match (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images).
Videos below: Bec Carter's post-match interview where she praises the efforts of debutants Amy Hunter and Grace Lyons.