A debut to remember

Playing together for the first time, the combined side commenced its campaign against the Northern Territory in Alice Springs.

After being sent in to bat, the team knew that the game would be testing dynamics when the side was left on the back foot at 5-15 after six overs.

“It wasn’t an ideal start, but with the girls not having played together before, we knew there was going to be a bit of learning involved,” coach Natalie Schilov.

However, a strong bowling attack led by Tasmanian Amanda Silva with 1-12 from three overs and two run outs, saw the Invitational XI lose narrowly by four wickets.

The second match against Western Australian proved to be a differe6nt story as the Invitational XI won the toss and elected to bat.

Anita Silva led the way with some power hitting, notching up an unbeaten 66 from 62 balls.

“After being frustrated in the first game, it was nice to get a few out of the middle,” Silva said.

In combination with captain Sally Moylan, who finished unbeaten on 53 from 34 balls, the Invitational XI posted 1-179.

The combined team’s bowling attack again demonstrated its strength, dismissing WA for 32 in the 11^th over.

Victoria’s Kareena ‘Weeties’ Jacobson-Logan proved a crowd favourite, leading the way with the ball with 2-1 from one over, as well as shining in a cameo role with the bat (26).

The Cuskelly twins also featured in the bowling attack, with a combined 3-20 from four overs.

“It was a great performance all round, we’re really proud of the girls,” Schilov said.

The Invitational XI will face New South Wales today in its third match of the tournament.

To see full results from the 2013 Imparja Cup, click here.