NCU Challenge Plate
Dundrum Women second XI v Drumaness Superkings first XI
Dundrum win by 45 runs
FOR the first time ever Dundrum Cricket Club entered a women’s second XI side this season. It could not have gone any better as they won in their opening game against Drumaness Superkings.
On Monday 20 May, Dundrum hosted Drumaness Superkings in the first round of the NCU Challenge Plate. Dundrum won the toss and elected to bat first.
Dundrum opened the batting with Jayne Herdman and Beth Heron. Both teams got off to a nervy start with Drumaness also playing in their first ever game of cricket.
Dundrum opened with Heron (13) and Herdman (31) playing good shots either side of the wicket. Heron was then bowled off the bowling of Helena Harris after adding almost 40 for the first wicket.
Herdman began to gain confidence and attack the Drumaness bowlers, eventually retiring for an excellent 31 not out.
The Dundrum middle order combined well with good contributions from Sarah Herron, Lynne Graham, Jessica Owen and Emma Lowey. Dundrum eventually finished on 155 from their 20 overs.
In the second innings, Drumaness opened the batting with J Harris (11) and Ellie O’Connor. The second innings went similarly to the first innings as both sides took their time to settle.
Dundrum took regular wickets throughout to always have the upper hand. Wickets were shared among the bowlers with Adelaide Shilliday taking two wickets on her debut for the club.
Emma Lowey, Beth Heron, Sarah Herron and Jessica Owen also contributed with wickets in a good bowling display.
Drumaness continued to try and attack the Dundrum bowlers, with Harris (11), Sophie Cranston (13) and Helena Harris (13) all making valuable contributions.
In the end Dundrum ran out winners by 45 runs, as Drumaness finished on 110 for 9 from the 20 overs.
Dundrum progress to the next round of the Plate where they will play Holywood’s second XI.
In the last couple of years, women’s cricket has begun to flourish in the south Down area. Three years ago there was no women’s cricket team in the area, now there are three teams (two from Dundrum and one from Drumaness).
With Saintfield also planning to start a team this season, the future is bright for local women’s cricket.
