Trio of teens rescue Essendon-Maribyrnong Park in Premier Cricket thriller
A pair of 16-year-olds and an 19-year-old save the day as Essendon-Maribyrnong Park claims a thriller over Ringwood.
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A trio of teenagers held their nerve and delivered Essendon-Maribyrnong Park a thrilling one-wicket Premier Cricket win on Sunday.
It wasn’t good for coach George Shaw’s heart as 16-year-old Milly Illingworth and Hannah Rooke and 19-year-old Taylah Casson stood tall to deny Ringwood at Russell Lucas Oval.
Chasing 109 for victory, EMP were cruising at 2-55 but lost 6-11 in a stunning collapse before Illingworth’s heroic 23 not out saved the day.
Needing 44 with two wickets in hand, a 19-run partnership between Illingworth and Rooke (two) and 25-run last-wicket stand between Illingworth and Casson (13 not out) sealed a remarkable victory.
Shaw was in awe of his young chargers’ determination under extreme pressure.
“We started off well, after 15 overs we were 2-55 and only needed 55 to win, and unfortunately after that it went pear shaped,” Shaw said.
“Thankfully, three of the younger girls got together.
“Milly led us to victory with an outstanding innings of 23, her composure for a 16-year-old is outstanding.
“Hannah is only 16 as well, they hung in there against some good bowling from Tess Flintoff, and then Taylah and Milly needed 25 from the last partnership to win it.”
With several big names away, Essendon-Maribyrnong Park has relied on its emerging talent.
Illingworth opened the bowling, taking 1-35, alongside 17-year-old Melbourne Stars quick Georgia Gall (1-19) and wicketkeeper Tia Davidge is also just 16.
“There’s been a change in the landscape with a couple of girls not being around – Villani, Stano and Wareham – but having said that the young girls are doing a fantastic job.
“I think I’m right in saying nine are under 17 or 18 at the moment.
“Milly’s 16 and Georgia’s just turned 17 and Grace Jones didn’t bowl on the weekend but she’s a delightful leg-spinner to watch.
“Hannah has come into the team this year at 16 bowling her off-spin, Tia our wicketkeeper is only 16 and her glovework is exceptional.
“Their skillsets are a delight to watch and I know they’re all prepared to work hard to get to were they want to.
“In two or three years I’ve got no doubt the club will be in a very strong position.”
Bombers captain Makinley Blows scored 18 at the top of the order while Hailey Ferris was the Rams’ best bowler with match-best figures of 6-30.
Earlier, Victoria and Sydney Thunder all-rounder Sam Bates ripped through Ringwood’s top order, snaring 4-13 in a devastating spell.
Blows claimed 2-11 and Katia Jomini finished with 2-25 as the Rams were all out 109, Bhavisha Devchand top-scoring with 24.
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“We bowled very well and took our catches, I was very impressed with the way we went about our business to bowl them out for 109,” Shaw said.
“Sam Bates has been a welcome addition to EMP this season.
“Once we get our full complement back that will be nice but that’s the way Premier Cricket is, we want our girls playing higher.”
EMP face ladder-leader Melbourne at Aberfeldie Park in the final game of 2021, while Ringwood travel to take on Prahran.
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