Queensland wins U-17 championship

The Konica Minolta Queensland Under-17 women's team has won their second national title in three seasons.

Queensland today turned the tables on Victoria, which had beaten them by two wickets yesterday, to claim the Betty Butcher Shield for the second time following their first win in 2001-02.

Opener Casey Reibelt top-scored with 33 and captain Melissa Lewis chimed in with 32 as Queensland scored 5-148 from their 40 overs in the Final in Geelong.

Victoria was dismissed for 117 in 36 overs, with Toowong medium-pacer Laura Kidd the destroyer, claiming 4-19 from six overs.

Queensland's leading wicket-taker Jessica Rowlands took 2-13 from six overs while Lewis captured 2-18 with her leg-spin.

The victory was followed by the news that Queensland had gained three players in the Australian U-17 Honour team.

Duaringa's 16-year-old Sarah Harris, 16-year-old Rowlands from Mt Luisa and 17-year-old Gold Coast fast bowler Lacey Hinze were selected following a string of impressive performances during the championships.

Queensland lost one match on their way to winning the Final.

Konica-Minolta Queensland Under-17 team: Lisa Badgery (North Mackay), Sarah Harris (Duaringa), Cara Heath (Mackay), Lacey Hinze (Mudgeeraba), Laura Kidd (Toowong), Delissa Kimmince (Warwick), Melissa Lewis (Beenleigh), Rebecca McCoombes (Deebung Heights), Jill Raleigh (El Arish), Casey Reibelt (Dakabin), Jessica Rowlands (Mt Luisa), Kirby Short (Ashgrove). Coach: Steve Baker (Townsville). Manager: Heidi Thompson (Brisbane).