March 10 2010

The Ashburton College Girls 1st XI finally got back on the pitch on Saturday after being defaulted to in the previous two matches.

Ashburton stamped its authority on the women's competition by beating Craighead in a close top of the table tussle.

Ashburton batted first with all the girls scoring freely to make 163/6.

Kelsey Ashworth had a solid knock of 40 and was well supported by Lauren White who scored 33.

There were also some valuable contributions from Livy Sheehan with 20 and Sam Dudley added 19.

In reply Craighead batted well but Ashburton bowled better to dismiss its opponents for 139. Three bowlers each picked up two wickets with Georgia Clarke taking 2/21 while Kate Cowan grabbed 2-10 and Charlotte Chambers had figures of 2-19.

A feature of the match was the committed ground fielding and great display of catching, including a screamer in the covers by Sheehan.

Coming out victorious in the top of the table clash, the Ashburton girls now sit in front of the competition with just one round to go before the grand final is played in two weeks time.

This weekend in the final round robin match the girls host Roncalli.

Pictured: Ashburton College batter Kelsey Ashworth opens up to hit through the on side during her innings of 40 against Craighead. - Photo Kirsty Graham 060310-KG-396