Article: Sarah Lowe

The Kensington District Cricket Club Women’s teams kicked off their season in style, completing a clean sweep with three impressive wins across the A, B, and C Grades. A combination of solid performances with both bat and ball saw the club enjoy a dominant weekend of cricket.

A Grade: Kensington Too Strong for Glenelg

The A Grade side secured a commanding 52-run victory over Glenelg at Stratarama Stadium, with debutants Teju Jayaprakash and Martha Roberts receiving their caps before the match. Winning the toss, Kensington elected to bat on a tricky wicket. Eliza Doddridge (37) and Jayaprakash built a solid foundation before Sarah Lowe (33) and Irish international Rebecca Stokell (41) combined to guide the innings forward. Their contributions helped Kensington post a competitive 9/165 from 50 overs, with all batters chipping in despite a disciplined bowling performance from Glenelg’s Elizabeth Johnson (4/28).

In reply, Glenelg struggled against Kensington’s fierce bowling attack. Sarah Lowe (4/12) led from the front, ably supported by leg-spinner Zanzibar Menzies (3/10) and Shae Daly (2/33), as Glenelg were bowled out for just 113. Kensington’s bowlers consistently applied pressure, with key wickets falling at regular intervals, sealing an impressive 52-run win.

B Grade: Izzy Leads the Charge with 4-Wicket Haul

The B Grade team also enjoyed success, chasing down Northern District’s total with an all-round performance. After losing the toss and being asked to bowl, Kensington’s bowlers started strong, taking early wickets before Northern Districts built some momentum in the middle overs. However, Izzy’s standout bowling figures of 4/17 off eight overs pegged them back, helping restrict the opposition.

Chasing a modest total, Maddie (30) and Abby provided a strong start, with Lucy (25) and Liv guiding the innings toward the finish. Kensington eventually reached their target with contributions throughout the batting line-up, securing another win for the club.

C Grade: Nail-Biting Finish Sees Kensington Prevail

In a thrilling finish, the C Grade side snatched victory in the final over, chasing down Sturt’s 88-run total with just three balls to spare. The match had a dramatic start as Kensington almost had to forfeit due to player shortages, but a last-minute addition from the club’s academy, Mackenzie, stepped in as the ninth player.

Hayley was the star with the ball, taking 3/17 from four overs, while Evie, another recruit from the academy, showcased excellent fielding and took a catch. Despite a rocky start to the batting innings, Liv Nanchin’s unbeaten 27 proved pivotal. With just 8 runs required in the last two overs, Liv and Maddie kept their cool, sealing a nail-biting victory.

A promising start that and a solid foundation that bodes well for the season ahead. Make sure to get out and support our amazing women and a big thank you to Pete McRostie for his amazing photos!