Excellent wickets, strong opposition and 25 degree heat - Everything we wanted on day one of the NCU Girls U16 and U18 tour to South Africa.

Its always a challenge when you have not played a competitive game for six months to come up against decent opposition at the height of their season

For the Under 18’s, despite good knocks of 37 each from Rebbeca Lowe and Lucy Andrews a total of 111 was probably 20 short of a winning score

While a 9 wicket defeat seems comprehensive the bowlers did take the match into the 19th over

The 2nd match was a huge improvement with the ball. restricting the opposition to just 77 in their 20 overs. All the bowlers were much more disciplined backed up by a good performance in the field

The target was reached fairly comfortably with Niamh Lowry retired for 34 and Erin Mitchell 17 not out

While a tough day for the young under 16’s who include several 13 and 14 year olds their were several major positives

An excellent undefeated 50 run partnership between Nina Kerr (36no) and Olivia Morrow (14no) allowed them to post 111 in the first match

Northern Suburbs passed the total reasonably comfortably unfortunately helped by over 30 wides

The 2nd game saw the Under 16’s battle to get 53 against some very good bowling

The NCU did claim 4 wickets in in response , with Ellie  Bullick following up her 13no with 2 wickets for 9 runs

The efforts of the girls throughout  the day was excellent and we look forward to our next cricket on Sunday – A 40 over game against a Boland invitation XI.