Graham Croker
The Women’s Sydney Grade cricket competition will resume this Sunday with Universities at home to Bankstown at David Phillips North field.
A win is vital for the Students, who suffered a nine-wicket loss to Eastern Suburbs in Round 4 (all clubs have a bye for the first three rounds); an 82-run win over Sydney in Round 5; and a draw with Northern District (the match was washed out) in Round 6.
Universities will have their NSW representatives, Lisa Sthalekar and Kate and Alex Blackwell, back in the ranks, while Bankstown will be boosted by the return of state players Sarah Aley, Corinne Hall and Sharon Millanta.
Sthalekar and the Blackwell sisters each played starring roles in the NSW Breakers’ two wins over Queensland in the Women’s National League, played at the Allan Border Field, Brisbane, at the weekend.
Alex scored 22, Kate contributed 17 not out and Lisa scored four not out and took 2-10 as NSW cracked 2-110 off 22.2 overs chasing down the Queensland total of 9-108 off 50 overs in the Saturday fixture.
On Sunday, Lisa top-scored with 40, Kate compiled 35 and Alex scored 12 in NSW’s total of 185. The Breakers then restricted Queensland to 9-176, with Lisa taking 2-28 in the nine-run win.
Women’s National League (Limited overs)
Saturday: NSW 2-110 off 22.2 overs (Alex Blackwell 22, Kate Blackwell 17 not out, Lisa Sthalekar 4 not out) d Queensland 9-108 off 50 overs (Lisa Sthalekar 2-10) by eight wickets at Allan Border Field. Toss: Queensland. Batted first: Queensland.
Sunday: NSW 185 off 49 overs (Lisa Sthalekar 40, Kate Blackwell 35, Alex Blackwell 12) d Queensland 9-176 off 50 overs (Lisa Sthalekar 2-28) by nine runs at Allan Border Field. Toss: Queensland. Batted first: Queensland.
