Scores were; Northparkes Crusherettes 2/96 off 20 overs (Maddy Spence 26 retired, Emma Barry 11, Lauren Andrews 9, Gabe Albert 6, Kath Went 1/9 off 1, G Gaut 1/8 off 1, Lucy Kearney 0/13 off 4, Nicole Knox 0/8 off 4 and Leanne Billington 0/6 off 3) lost to Badgerettes 4/98 in 13.5 overs (Nicole Knox 27no, Korine Coleman 24no, Erin Murphy 10, Lucy Kearney 8, Maddy Spence 2/3 off 3, Ashley Rosser 1/5 off 0.5, Gabe Albert 0/12 off 2 and Lauren Andrews 0/5 off 1).

Badgerettes defeated Northparkes Crusherettes by 6 wickets.

Northparkes Crusherettes won the toss and elected to bat in the inaugural ladies 20/20 match which was umpired by local cricketing identity, Trevor Chatman.

NSW PSSA representative player, Maddy Spence combined with Stacey Kelly to open the batting for the Crusherettes. Maddy demonstrated her fine cricketing ability as she hit a quick fire 26 off 36 balls including a boundary to help the Crusherettes get off to a top start in their innings before she retired. Lauren Andrews and Emma Barry continued to boost the Crusherettes total as Emma scored 11 runs (off 18 balls including 1 four), while Lauren provided good support to post 9 runs (off 19 balls) before retiring.

Kath Went (1/9) bowled well for the Badgerettes as she claimed their first wicket following a smart catch from Zarna Gould as the Crusherettes score stood at 66.

Emma Barry was the next wicket to fall as she was bowled following a good delivery from Great Gaut (1/8). Tight bowling from Nicole Knox (0/8 off 3), Lucy Kearney (0/13 off 4) and Leanne Billington (0/6 off 3 including 1 maiden) help reduce the run rate of the Crusherettes. Gabe Albert (6no) and Ashley Rosser (5no) scored valuable runs for Northparkes late in their innings as they posted the competitive score of 96 off their allocated overs.

In reply, Badgerettes lost early wickets and their score stood at 2/14 after Maddy Spence collected the wicket of Kath Went with a good delivery and then backed up with some great fielding and assistance from Ashley Rosser to run out Emily Murphy for 10.

With pressure mounting on the Badgerettes, Korine Coleman and Nicole Knox joined each other at the crease and both realised the importance of a resilient partnership. Nicole Knox hit a rapid 27 off 21 (including 3 fours) while Korine blasted 24 off 20 (including 4 fours) as both demonstrated plenty of powerful hitting against some good bowling to put the Badgerettes in a commanding position before both retired. Lucy Kearney (8no) Leanne Billington (3) and Greta Gaut (2no) were then able to score the remaining runs and lead the Badgerettes to an impressive 6 wicket victory over the Crusherettes.

Both teams should be very proud of their efforts as the entertaining match was played in great spirit and enjoyed by all spectators.

Nicole Knox and Maddy Spence were awarded player of the match awards for their respective sides after having fine all-round performances, however all the ladies deserve recognition for the way in which they played and supported each other. This match further illustrates the potential growth and opportunity for women’s cricket in Parkes and across regional NSW.

The ladies match was followed by a men’s 20/20 Big Bash played between the Honey Badgers and Northparkes Crushers. Both sides selected strong line-ups for the clash which featured a combination of talent, youth and experience. Honey Badgers won the toss and elected to bowl first on a beautifully prepared wicket.

Brad Wales and Dylan Morgan combined at the top of the order and were looking for a big first wicket partnership. Dylan hit a powerful 10 runs off just 5 balls (including 1 six and 1 four) before he was bowled by the ever-reliable Dale Ingram.

Brad Wales continued his recent good form with the bat and played a dominant innings which saw him clear the boundary rope twice on his way to 26 before Nathan Gaidzionis claimed the important wicket. Crushers score stood at 3/54, before Brad Rearden played a solid innings to compile 32 off 38 balls (including 2 fours) and was well supported by Jonty Ralph (5) and Usman Cheema (9no).

Dale Ingram was the key wicket-taker for the badgers claiming 3/15 off 2.3 overs while Mal Bruce 1/11 of 2 and Nathan Gaidzionis 1/9 off 2 also bowled well.

As the Crushers innings continued dark clouds and lightning strikes began to surround the town, just 17 overs into the match. To ensure player safety it was agreed that players would leave the field in hope that the lightning would pass over and then allow the match to re-commence. Unfortunately, the lightning continued and following a long break it was decided the match could not continue and would be abandoned. This was a disappointing conclusion to the much anticipated match, however player safety always remains paramount. Both teams were very praising of each other at the conclusion of the match which reinforces their strong respect and mateship.

The Pink Stumps Day was a huge success with more than $1000 raised for the McGrath Foundation. These funds will help provide invaluable support and care to both women and men experiencing breast cancer across the country.

The Parkes & District Cricket Association would like to acknowledge the efforts of both the Honey Badgers Cricket Society and Northparkes Cricket Club for organising such a great day for both women’s and men’s cricket.

Mal Bruce, a key organiser in the day, was absolutely delighted with the success and expressed his appreciation to all the individuals and businesses who donated, were involved and who are committed to seeing this event continue each year.