Campbelltown Camden Ghosts women’s cricket is flying high but the men’s first grade has just got a little closer to the dreaded wooden spoon territory after another abject defeat on the weekend.
After the completion of round 13 and with two more rounds of matches left, Ghosts men’s first grade are on 26 premiership points, just one more than cellar dwellers Manly, who have 25.
The Ghosts hosted St George at Raby and the visitors, batting first, declared their innings closed at 8 for 295.
In reply the Ghosts collapsed to be all out for 88 in just 37 overs and St George were able to claim a first innings victory.
The Ghosts men will be away for both of their last matches, against UTS North Sydney at North Sydney Oval in round 14, followed by a clash with Sydney University at Drummoyne Oval in the final round.
But while the men’s team seems to have run out of puff at the wrong end of the season, the Ghosts women’s first grade secured a semi final spot on Sunday after a big win over Penrith.
Chasing 183, the Ghosts passed the Penrith total in the 33rd over having lost just the one wicket.
Skipper Hannah Trethewy (62 runs) and Claire Koski (104), pictured above, put together a record breaking 183 run partnership for the second wicket after opener Clare Iemma was dismissed for a duck.
The previous highest second wicket partnership record was set in in 1986/87 – before Hannah Trethewy and Claire Koski were born – when Carol Unwin and Lisa Davies piled on 162.
Lauren Cheatle bowled tightly and was rewarded with three wickets to celebrate her selection for the Australian Southern Stars once again.
Cheatle, who spent last season sidelined with injury, has displayed resilience and determination in overcoming surgery to regain her place in the Aussie team.
And in more positive news for the Ghosts women’s cricket, Belinda Vakarewa has been selected to play in the Governor-General’s XI who will take on New Zealand at Drummoyne Oval on Thursday, February 28.
