New Town clings on in tense final over showdown against North Hobart to claim women’s T20 title

New Town has picked up the first piece of silverware for the CTPL season after Bonnie Davies and Emily Mifsud starred with both bat and ball to get the Bucks home against North Hobart. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS>>

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NEW Town star Bonnie Davies has held her nerve to help the Bucks clinch the women’s CTPL T20 title in a thrilling grand final finish against North Hobart.

The Bucks may have started as slight underdogs against the minor premiers at the TCA but the dual efforts of Davies and player of the match Emily Mifsud, and a clutch late over from skipper Brooke Hepburn, lifted the side to a four-run victory.

North Hobart Hannah Short during the game against New Town. Picture: Chris Kidd

Davies (35) and Mifsud (34) led the way in New Town’s 4-122, sharing a 73-run opening partnership to set the foundation before the Demons dragged themselves back into contention.

Kirstin Palfrey (2-19) removed both openers in the space of three balls, helping slow the run rate before Belinda Wegman provided a late flurry with 18 from 10.

North started the run chase in similar fashion, with Stephanie Daffara (35) and Melodie Armstrong (39) getting the hosts to 70 before the momentum again swung.

Mifsud (2-24) prized out Daffara and Hannah Short in quick succession, before Hepburn removed Armstrong with the first ball of the 16th over to see the Demons slip to 3-89.

With young gun Ella Marsh (21) at the crease North was always in the hunt and only needed 21 runs from the last three overs, but Hepburn (3-20) turned the screws when she had Grace Pullen caught behind and trapped Chloe Abel lbw for a golden duck.

New Town celebrates its CTPL women's T20 premiership. Picture: Solstice Digital

The Demons had reduced the equation to eight runs required from the last over — bowled by Davies — with the turning point coming on the second delivery.

Marsh pushed the ball into the leg side and narrowly avoided a run out appeal at the non striker’s end from a direct hit, only for Taylah Purton to call the daughter of Tigers great Dan through for a second run after the ball had ricocheted away.

Marsh was caught well short of her ground at the striker’s end, and Davies closed out of the rest of the over in style to secure the first trophy of the local season.

New Town’s Cassandra McLoughlin bowls. Picture: Chris Kidd

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