Women’s cricket up and running at Wanderers Cricket Club

ILLOVO – Local women crickets prove they are among the best after a thrilling Women's League.

Nicholas Zaal

March 22, 2018

Hilda Nienaber-Toole of Wanderers plays a straight ball onto the legside. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Women’s cricket is up and running again at Wanderers Cricket Club.

For the first time in 10 years, the club fielded a women’s team in the Gauteng Cricket Board Women’s League, and surprised everyone with a spectacular season.

While the final games were played on 17 March, at the time of going to print league organisers and team managers were still tabulating the results and final standings.

Traci Brest dashes through for a single for Wanderers. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Winny Maila keeps the scoreboard ticking for Wanderers. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

However, the 62-run win for Wanderers against Jeppe Black will likely see them finish in third position out of 10 teams.

“I used to play for Wanderers in my youth and I came back to start women’s cricket up again,” said team captain, Shannon Kriel after the win.

“Things are already looking up for us and interest is growing. We started the season with 11 players and now we have 19.”

She said by the time the club hosted its inaugural Wanderers Ladies T10 Tournament in September, they might be able to field two teams.

The final match of the Women’s League was played in overcast and windy conditions at the University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park.

Traci Brest dashes through for a single for Wanderers while Kayla Rosenberg of Jeppe Black prepares to throw the ball at the wicket for a run-out. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Traci Brest of Wanderers watches a ball go down legside for a wide. Photo: Nicholas Zaal

Wanderers won the toss and opted to bat, which seemed like a poor decision after the loss of two early wickets.

But solid middle-order batting and a best of 84 not out by Kirsten Honsveld-Blair, saw the side to 171/6 after their allotted 35 overs.

In reply, Jeppe Black fought to the end but a slow run rate meant they could only reach 109/5 in their 35 overs.

Honsveld-Blair shone again with the ball, taking 2/13 in seven overs.

Kriel and Jeppe Black team manager Graham Cuerden both said the game was closer than the scorecard suggested.

“Most of our team is made up of schoolgirls and they held up well against the older opposition,” said Cuerden.

“Both teams showed fantastic spirit during the match and the Wanderers ladies complimented my girls on their ability and maturity.”

Kriel invited any women and girls interested in playing cricket to contact her about having a go at Wanderers.