Young Motors Women’s T20 Cricket: Key players return for top-of-table clash between Wanderers and Sporties

Wanderers and Sporties are set to regain some troops as they prepare to go head-to-head in a much-anticipated battle for top spot in the Young Motors T20 Women’s League on Saturday night. Both have 7-1 records with a win against each other in two close results earlier in the year. Wanderers captain Olivia Bidwell said her players are eager for the contest. “Easy to have the same goals against a side as strong and enhanced as Sporties,” she said. “We’ll focus on our roles and strengths and I’m definitely happy with the year so far. Many girls have put in top efforts, one may shine one game and another the next. “Our loss to Sporties last time was a little disappointing, being our first loss in 27 games, but we used it as a positive to help improve aspects of our game.” A plus for Wanderers is the return of Meg Spalding, who averages 34.74 with the bat and 11.54 with the ball. “Yes, Meg is back and very keen to get back into cricket. She’s very handy and we’re happy to have her,” Bidwell said. “Sporties recruited well and Shyanne (Thomas-Mirrielees), who I know from country week and the Country XI, is an unreal player with great skills.” Sporties captain Jo Walker, who needs one wicket to be the first to 100 wickets, said her side would include pacer Tia Hatch and was raring to go. “Can’t wait — Wanderers are still the benchmark, so a test to see where we’re at,” she said. “We’re absolutely better with Shyanne, she’s one of the lucky ones who’s played since she was a kid so the base was set for her while the rest of us play catch up. “Her knowledge is fantastic and not only a great cricketer but great teammate who’s pushed the other ladies to improve. “Our attack is better, Georgie (Gillman) also has experience and bowls good line and length and two players new to cricket in Ellie Blackmore and Tegan Brooks are improving. “With so many new players, I’m still trying to find the best mix for our batting and bowling.” In men’s games, there’s a Young Motors T20 between Towns and Bluff Point on Friday night. In Saturday’s 50-over games, Towns face Chapman Valley-Northampton at the Rec while at Muir Park, Bluff Point play Sportsmans. Another women’s T20 is on Sunday between Towns and CVN. They are a long way behind the top two but when matched, their games are good value. B-grade: Wanderers v Kalbarri at GBSC; Sportsmans v Bluff Pt at Wonthella; CVN v Towns at Mazzuchelli Oval.