Champs start strong

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Isuzu Twenty-20 (T20) Smash women’s competition got off to a fiery start over the weekend with defending champions Cassowaries leading the tally with four points after recording two wins.
Headed by skipper Sibona Jimmy, the team won their opening match against Black Bass by five wickets on Saturday before edging Mariners by four runs yesterday.
Yesterday’s main clash against the Mariners saw them post a target of 116/4 in their batting inning before defending a close chase to get the win.
Right hand batter Kevau Frank starred in their batting inning yesterday scoring 54 runs off 60 deliveries not out and with contributions from other batters, took their total over a century.
A par bowling performance in their fielding inning saw Ravini Oa taking out 2/17 in four overs with skipper Jimmy adding on 1/17 in her spell.
In the other matches, all other three teams recorded a win in their respective matches with Saturday’s opening match between Mariners and Mudmen recording the highest run count in the women’s tournament.
Mudmen opened the tournament in style with a 126 run record courtesy of Australian marquee player Rhiann Kate O’Donnell scoring the highest runs so far with 64 off 48 deliveries including nine fours. Skipper Tanya Ruma added 42 off 51 balls to add to their total.
Mariners tried to counter in their batting inning with Naoani Vare scoring 54 runs off 53 balls as skipper Brenda Tau added 25/3, however they were bowled out short for 14 runs to get a win.
With the inclusion of the three Australian marquee players sponsored by the PacificAus Sports programme, the women’s competition is so far shaping out to be competitive.
Today will see a double-header played at Amini Park to complete round one of the women’s competition.
Cassowaries will take on Mudmen at 10am before Mariners and Black Bass go head to head at 2pm in the next match.