Despite being short in numbers due to some late exclusions, the day was a success for those who participated. The Eurobodalla women played a combined side from the South Coast, including players from Oak Flats, Albion Park and Warilla. Considering it was the first time most of the girls had played cricket, they put up a solid performance against talented opposition.

Batting first, Eurobodalla put on 92. Sarah McMahon made a rapid 18, showing she has some of her father Tom Purcell’s talent.

Allison Dean partnered McMahon, making four in her debut as an opener, before she was bowled by Vanessa Faint.

Betty Gallen unfortunately failed to bother the scorers, being bowled by Sarah Billett. Meg McCallum showed she has some ability with the bat, making seven before being caught by Paula Templeman off Kate Thompson. The youngest player on the field, Kate Blackmore, showed she is a huge talent with the bat and ball on the day scoring 15 before being caught by Vanessa Faint off the bowling of sister Shannon Faint.

The rest of the Eurobodalla team was made up off some of Eurobodalla under 13s who filled in at the last minute with Alex Woolridge making 18, Matt Dunn 2, Jack Dunn 5, Paddy LeBretton 9 and dad Phil Dunn 3 not out. The bowling for the South Coast girls was shared around by Vanessa Faint (2/25) Shannon Faint (2/19) Sarah Billett (2/10) Kate Thompson (2/11) and Paula Templeman (1/38).

In reply the more experienced girls from the north put on 112 for the loss of one wicket, with Paula Templeman being caught by Phil Dunn off Sarah McMahon for 35.

Natasha Bagavac and Shannon Faint put together a partnership of 64 to finish out the game. Sarah McMahon was the best of the bowlers with 1/29. Betty Gallen got 0/25, Allison Dean 0/7, Meg McCallum 0/10, and Kate Blackmore 0/10, while Matt Dunn got 0/21 and Alex Woolridge 0/4.

“We are now looking to future games with other womens teams between the South Coast, possibly Canberra and other centres,” Eurobodalla Cricket publicity officer Gerry Coloe said.

“All the girls enjoyed the day and with more girls showing interest and being available for future games, the Eurobodalla Association is looking to get as many girls and women playing as possible. The best part of the day was that it wasn’t taken too seriously and everyone involved enjoyed the opportunity to play a game and got to met some talented and very amusing women from the north.”

Any women interested can contact Coloe on 4471 8015. There is a coaching clinic with Amanda Owens coming up in the second week end of October.

“She came down last year, and is well worth the effort to try and get to these clinics held by an excellent coach,” Coloe said.