Former ACT representative Rebecca Maher made life difficult for Universities in the opening round of the Sydney Women’s Premier competition at Mark Taylor Oval on Sunday.
The left-handed opener, now playing for Sydney Rangers, hit 127 off 106 deliveries as the Rangers rattled up 5-297 off their 50 overs.
Maher hit 18 boundaries and shared in a 53-run opening stand with former Universities player Rachael Haynes and a 65-run first-wicket stand with Jodie Hicks (22). Lauren Smith (57 not out) and Maitlan Brown (30 not out) also made solid contributions to the big tally.
Universities started well with openers Georgia Redmayne (61) and Maddy Darke putting on 38. But when Darke departed for 10, the wickets kept tumbling.
Redmayne battled on, but when she was trapped lbw by Angela Reakes, Universities were on the ropes at 4-117.
Reakes ended with 3-12 and Haynes chipped in with 3-11 to close out the Students for 137 off 34 overs and help the Rangers to a bonus point.
Scoreboard
Sydney Women’s Premier competition: Limited 0vers – Round 1
First Grade: Sydney Rangers 5-297 off 50 overs (Rebecca Maher 127, Lauren Smith 57 not out, Maitlan Brown 30 not out; Maisy Gibson 2-28) defeated Universities 137 off 34.1 overs (Georgia Redmayne 61; Rachael Haynes 3-11, Angela Reakes 3-12, Lauren Smith 2-35) by 160 runs, with a bonus point, at Mark Taylor Oval on Sunday. Toss: Sydney Rangers. Points: Sydney Rangers 7, Universities 0.
Second Grade: Sydney 213 off 27 overs (no details provided) defeated Universities 105 off 43 overs (Olivia Porter 54), by 108 runs, with a bonus point, at David Phillips North on Sunday. Toss: Sydney. Points: Sydney 7, Universities 0.
Third Grade: Universities Blue 3-266 off 40 overs (Alison Chisholm 50 ret, Brooke Atkins 50 ret, Erica James 50 ret; Georgia Lomis-Futeran 1-31, Isabeau Gavel 1-31) defeated Universities Gold 45 off 10.5 overs (Malina Rumble 2-15, Vanessa White 1-0, Brooke Atkins 1-3) by 225 runs at Tonbridge St Reserve on Sunday. Toss: Universities Gold. Batted first: Universities Blue.
