Teen‘s opening over superb as Tigers crush QLD

A BLISTERING spell with the ball from Tasmanian young gun Julia Cavanough has sent a firm reminder to the WNCL competition that the Tigers are still the team to beat this season.

The defending WNCL champions faced their toughest challenge of the season thus far against the Queensland Fire at Allan Border Field on Wednesday but walked away with a commanding 72-run win.

The home side went into the clash on the top of the ladder and had been defeated just once this season but felt the wrath and depth of the Tigers bowling lineup at full force.

After the visitors posted a firstinnings total of 9-212 – opener Rachel Trenaman (20 off 28) retired hurt – Cavanough announced herself with a second-innings first over that included three wickets.

Playing in just her third firstclass game for Tasmania, the Launceston teenager dismissed Charli Knott (0 for 1) lbw with the first ball of the innings before claiming Ellie Johnston (0 off 2) and Mikayla Hinkley (0 off 1) with consecutive balls – the Fire at 3-0 after the first over.

Sarah Coyte (1-36) then joined the party in the seventh over before the returning Nicola Carey (2-28) and Heather Graham (2-28) dismissed danger pair Georgia Voll (32 off 40) and Laura Harris (23 off 13).

This left the home side reeling at 6-61 from 13 overs with Tasmania eventually dismissing Queensland in 34 overs as Cavanough finished with figures of 3-12 and an economy rate of 2.40 to be named player of the match in the Tigers’ third-straight win.

On the batting front, opener Lizelle Lee again top scored with 40 off 35 to continue her strong WNCL season, while bowler Coyte finished with 24 off 22. Opener Trenaman sported a knee brace and crutches post-game in a worrying sign ahead of the two sides meeting again on Friday.