Call for women’s season rethink

NORTHS captured the 2018-19 Cricket Far North Ladies T20 trophy but skipper Paula Fabila is calling for a rethink of the competition’s schedule ahead of next season.

The current format sees women’s teams compete in two separate seasons over six months, the first running from October to December and the second during February and March.

However, while Norths, Mulgrave and Innisfail each played at least four games in the six-round February-March season, Mareeba only took to the field twice due to a poor run of luck with the weather.

Mareeba’s lack of games would eventually play a role in their missing out on a spot in the grand final, with Mulgrave instead progressing with two wins, compared to Mareeba’s one, after both teams finished on the same number of points.

Fabila said having one longer season could be the key to a more equal and competitive season.

Cricket Far North president Peter Huey said rain had “really hampered the whole season in all grades”.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s what can happen with living in the tropics,” he said.

No matter the circumstances, Norths skipper Fabila was happy to walk away with the victory after three consecutive grand-final losses in previous seasons.

In the decider at Griffiths Park, Norths batted out its overs to set a total of 8-98, then bowled Mulgrave out in 14.1 overs for a 14-run victory.