NT Under-16 Girls Battle Tough Opponents at National Championships

An 87-run loss to WA in the morning T20 game by the Championship first-timers was replicated by a 92-run loss to the powerful Victoria Country in the afternoon T20 fixture.

After WA won the toss and elected to bat first, an inspired opening spell by right-arm quick Hannah Robins reduced WA to 5-47, before a hard-hitting 83 from WA bat Emily Jacobs led her side to a formidable 8/188.

Robins' 3-12 from her four overs was a fine contribution, removing both openers to make early inroads into the WA batting, while she was well supported by Riva Guliya (2/25) and Eloise Wood (2/25).

Alice Springs' Abbey Warton (2 catches), Pint’s Eimi Smith (1 catch), and Palmerston’s Naomi McMahon (1 catch) all contributed in a well-rounded fielding performance.

In response, opening bat Anuki Dassanayake's unbeaten 62 was a highlight of the run chase, however, contributions were otherwise limited from the NT side.

Game Two followed a similar script, with Victoria Country electing to bat first and posting 4/187 led by Indigo Noble (55) and Jayda Wright (39).

Wicket contributions were evenly spread among the NT bowlers, with Trisha Bajaj (1/27), Eloise Wood (1/41), Henwood (1/30), and Tracy Village’s Joanna Pickett (1/21) all featuring.

The unfortunate run out of the in-form Dassanayake at the non-striker's end typified the NT’s batting innings, with only Henwood (23) and Bajaj (23) making significant scores, while Guliya (19) and Tracy Village’s Ekam Dhillon (9) made smaller contributions.

The NT ended their 20 overs at 8/95 - and despite the comprehensive loss - Assistant Coach Karl Mayne said spirits within the playing squad were high despite a 0-4 win-loss record that could easily have been a lot better.

"The girls really had WA under some pressure at 5-47 until some big hitting ensured they were able to get away and post a competitive score,'' he added.

"The Victoria Country game had a similar sort of feel in that we kept them quiet for the first 10 overs with the ball and there was an even contribution from the bowlers.”

"Our captain Skylah Henwood was able to find some form with the bat in what will hopefully act as a springboard for the remaining games."

The NT meets NSW Country and Queensland in another doubleheader on Friday before a rest day on Saturday and a 50-over clash with South Australia on Sunday before the finals.

Game 1 - WA 8-188 (E Jacobs 83, A Tremlett 23, M Burt 17no, H Robins 3-12, E Wood 2-25, R Guliya 2-28) defeated Northern Territory 6-101 (A Dassanayake 62no, R Flett 11, M Burt 1-10, G Allen 1-11) by 87 runs.

Game 2 - Vic Country 4-187 (I Noble 55, J Wright 39, L Fletcher 38, J Pickett 1-21, T Bajaj 1-27) defeated Northern Territory 8-95 (S Henwood 23, T Bajaj 23, S Burton 3-11, A Croft 2-19) by 92 runs.