South Australia had two teams competing in the National Country Championships in Canberra last week, with the men’s side winning three out of six games, including wins over Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and the Philippines.
Despite losing their first two games, the South Australian women bounced back to go undefeated for the rest of the tournament, including a semi-final win over Victoria and the super over victory against New South Wales in the final.
In the final, SA won the toss and batted, with Tegan McPharlin and Stephani Beazleigh putting on 71 for the first wicket.
NSW tightened up their bowling from there and SA finished their innings 4-118.
SA had an economical start in the second innings, restricting NSW to only 25 runs in the first six overs and that pressure caused a NSW collapse, with SA getting them to 5-61.
However, NSW then strung a good partnership together and it all came down to the final over where they needed six runs off the final over.
Only 17-years-old, Annabelle Yelland stepped up and delivered, going for only five runs in the over to secure a super over!
Jess O’Reilly, after taking 2-16, bowled the super over and conceded only seven runs, giving SA a great chance.
McPharlin and Chloe Rosenzweig chased down the runs with a ball to spare and SA were National Champions!
Two South Aussies were named in the Team of the Tournament – McPharlin (Yorke Peninsula) and Beazleigh (Barossa & Light) for their contributions with the bat.
Recently retired Striker McPharlin was also named Player of the Tournament, despite only playing three out of six minor round matches.
Congratulations to all involved!
