Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day continued to wreak havoc on the cricket season as the Women’s 1st XI T20 Grand Final match was abandoned last Thursday 25 January. What was to be the first time the women’s final was played under lights at Russell Lucas Oval, Jubilee Park in Ringwood, the match saw just 12 overs of play.
The persistent soaking of the field through the afternoon and evening meant that the 5-overs per innings requirement would not be met and, as the highest-placed team, Carlton were awarded the Premiership, the first silverware for the Women's 1st XI in the club’s short history.
Earlier, the start to play was postponed as the afternoon showers continued into the early evening, but once a break in the weather eventuated, play commenced in a reduced 14-over a side format.
Prahran batted first and set about making quick runs, with Olivia Henry (23) and Jenny Taffs (26) setting the pace. However, at the completion of 12 overs and with the score 4/76, the umpires called for the covers as persistent rain had begun to fall once again.
All eyes were now fixated on the clock and the rain radar to see whether play could return in time. Unfortunately, despite the tremendous efforts of the grounds staff throughout the whole day, with persistent rain the umpires reluctantly made the decision to abandon play at 9:20pm.
Congratulations to players from both sides for their positive spirit and continuous commitment to getting some cricket played on the night.
