Wellington side making its mark in South Africa

Wellington's women's youth side has met with mixed fortunes on their tour of South Africa.

They play their last two games today and tomorrow.

They won both their games against composite Under-15 and Under-19 teams at Port Elizabeth.

In keeping with South African government policy the opposition teams were of mixed race selection.

In the first game, Eastern Province batted first and made 91 in 35 overs. Olivia Dean set the scene for the Wellington side when taking a spectacular close-in catch. Priya Patel did best of the bowlers when bowling two wicket maidens and ending with two for one from her three overs. Alana Smith took two for 14 from three overs and Philippa Gueorgieff two for 19 from five. Gina Ropiana, Ella Brockelsby, Hannah Bedford and Paige Edgar each took one wicket.

Wicket-keeper Lucy Doolan wasn't to be out-done as she kept very tidily and made three stumpings. She then provided the substance in the batting as Wellington responded with 94 made in 25 overs. Doolan scored 41 not out off 55 balls. Edgar was 13 not out.

In the second game, Wellington were asked to bat first, something they had intended to do to see how they would go in defending a target. Bedford produced an anchor-like innings for 19 before she was out in the 25th over. It proved important however, as three quick wickets were lost around the 35-mark.

Patel's 13 down the order bolstered the 12 scored by Tina Boonen and 11 each to Amy Hensman and Ropiana. Wellington scored 121 in their 41 overs.

Eastern Province made at good start and were 50 without loss at one stage. At that stage Smith broke the opening stand and then spinners Edgar and Doolan took over. Doolan took six for 16 and Edgar three for 15, both of them bowling their 10 overs. Eastern Province were all out for 89. One moment of humour came when team coach Bruce Edgar was umpiring. The former international had to make a decision when his daughter Paige was bowling and another daughter Holly was wicket-keeping. The batsman was given out.

The Western Province Under-19 team proved too strong in the first match at Cape Town. The side was the national Under-19 champions this year and it was soon clear why. Western Province scored 245 for four wickets and Wellington were all out for 80.

The second game was a rain-reduced match over 30 overs against Northern Suburbs. Wellington scored 130 for four wickets. Holly Edgar was 25 not out, Doolan, sporting a black eye after being hit when wicket-keeping, scored 21 and Ropiana 17.

In a tight finish the Suburbs side were all out in the last over for 119. Three run outs proved most effective for Wellington. Paige Edgar took two for 16 and Gueorgieff took two for 22.