Hayward’s maiden century ensures Victoria’s unbeaten start continues
WITH both Victoria and South Australia heading into Wednesday’s WNCL fixture unbeaten, it was the Victorian women that remained so after a heroic effort with the bat from all-rounder Ella Hayward.
In what was an up-and-down match, there were two tons that stood above the rest of the batting performances, that of Victoria’s Hayward (112 not out) and South Australia’s all-rounder Courtney Webb (110 off 113).
Playing at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, the conditions were breezy and uncertain, which mirrored the see-sawing affair that took place.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, a decision which could have been the difference. South Australia looked like they could be cruising to a low total after their openers combined for just 16 as Ellie Johnston was removed for a duck.
While Webb held down one end, it was a quick procession from the other end. Hollie Armitage (one run), Madeline Penna (five), Amanda-Jade Wellington (five) and Annie O’Neil (six) all fell to Milly Illingworth (1-30) and Georgia Prestwidge‘s (3-47) brilliant bowling that backed up the work of the bowlers prior.
Coming to the crease thereafter, SA captain Jemma Barsby was the foil that was required for Webb. Coming in as a number eight that has scored plenty for the side, she scored a hard-fought 61 off 94 to become the team’s second highest scorer on the day.
The duo put on a 138-run partnership until Barsby was bowled by the Player of the Match Hayward in the 42nd over. Eleanor Larosa stuck around hitting an unbeaten 13 off 23, while young bowler Ella Wilson got a quickfire 30 from 16 balls to bring their total up to 278.
From the get-go the Victorians were humming, Nicole Faltum brought her big hitting game, whacking seven fours from her 58 off 71 balls.
After Sophie Reid was dismissed on 12 runs, she made way for Hayward’s knock which included 14 fours. From there it was her partnerships with Tess Flintoff (18 off 26) and Meg Lanning (44 off 53) that steered both her to her maiden ton and her side to victory.
Despite the collapse that ensured at the end of the innings, when Rhys McKenna (five off five) and Prestwidge (two off two), were knocked over, the job was done already.
South Australia will look to exact revenge on Friday as the teams face off at the same venue.
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