Extraordinary Noleen bowls opposition over in style
Durban North resident, Noleen Turner scored an impressive century (111*) and also took a hat-trick (4/4) in a T20 game.
IN July this year, England’s Joe Denly pulled off an incredible feat, scoring a century (from 61 balls) and claiming a hat-trick in the same game. So rare was the feat that such a double has never been replicated, until now, in women’s club cricket.
Durban North resident, Noleen Turner made history while playing for her club, DHS Rhythm in a T20 match against INK, scoring an impressive century (111*) and also taking a hat-trick (4/4).
Turner said she knew from the first ball she faced at the Westville Boys’ High School pitch that something special was about to happen.
“It was nuts, I’m an opening batsman and the first ball I faced I hooked it for a boundary. I just had the sense that there are runs on this pitch. Pretty soon every shot I played came off the sweet spot of the bat. My team started to get behind me and before I knew it I was saluting the dressing room for my half century.
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“I hadn’t been keeping track of my individual score and when I next looked to my team, the coach kept flashing 11 and shouting it. I didn’t know what he was on about until I heard him say 11 runs to your century and I had to get to that milestone,” she said.
Turner scored her century, the first ever in her 25-year cricketing career. Her previous best was 93. DHS Rhythm eventually posted 238/2.
The best was yet to come for Turner as she pulled off an incredible feat by claiming a hat-trick, a first ever in her career as well.
“I also opened the bowling and I didn’t think I would get a wicket because I went wicketless in the last game. I took my first wicket in the first over and then in the second over I managed to get my hat-trick to finish with figures of 4/4 in four overs,” she said.
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What made this feat even more spectacular was Turner started her career as a wicket-keeper and couldn’t bowl.
The local resident, who coaches rugby, hockey and cricket at her school said she hoped to inspire other young girls to take up the game.
“I think there’s more of an awareness now with women’s cricket and everyone is embracing the sport. With the upcoming T20 Women’s World Cup the game will get more exposure and allow little girls to dream big which is something I try to impart to the girls I coach,” she said.
“Young girls now have role models that are placed in the public eye and the women’s game is not frowned upon like it was when I was younger. I hope my efforts and other women who play cricket inspire others to join in or persevere in achieving their own goals,” she said.
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