First Grade Round One 2011/12

1^st grade commenced their season with two T20 matches on Sunday at Campbelltown.

The start of the first match against defending premiers Bankstown was delayed to allow the ground (Raby Oval 2) to further dry out after some heavy rain in the area the day before.  Gordon won the toss and batted first.  Going was slow on the damp outfield, but there were still several boundaries scored with some determined batting by Hannah Trollip (27) and intelligent and high quality batting from Lisa Sthalekar (37) the team posted a score of 8/101 of their 20 overs.  Bankstown were also going to prove hard to contain and despite an early wicket quickly scored their runs on their way to reaching the target.  Gordon rotated their bowlers looking to attack and take key wickets.  A couple of runs out slowed Bankstown somewhat but they were still able to make the required runs in the 12th over.

The second match was on Raby Oval 1 against Campbelltown-Camden.  Again Gordon won the toss and chose to bat.  Some good batting by Mathilda Carmichael (43) and determined support for her from Heidi Cheadle saw the team end at 8/97 off their 20 overs. A wicket off the first ball of the first over bowling to Campbelltown-Camden set the scene for a tense and closely fought battle as Gordon tried to defend their total.  Runs were scored relatively slowly and wickets fell but Campbelltown-Camden made the winning score in the 20^th over having lost 6 wickets.  Bowling was much tighter by Gordon in this game and 2 wickets in 2 balls by Lisa Sthalekar as Campbelltown-Camden neared their target made for an exciting finish.  As well as Lisa (2-18), Emily Leys (2-18) and Emma Doutreband all bowled well.

So plenty to build on in the game next week for 1^st Grade.

Match report courtesy of Victoria "Stumpy" King.