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Aussies
deliver a cricketing lesson
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The
Royal Air Force’s Kerry Cockerton is clean-bowled by
Flight Sergeant Donna Puglisi, much to the delight of the
wicket-keeper and slip cordon, during their clash at Ipswich
Grammar School Oval. Photo by LAC Chris Zerner
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AS the
Poms were receiving a thrashing on the Aussie cricket fields this
season, a brand new British outfit, the Royal Air Force ladies cricket
team, geared up to show their male counterparts how it really should
be done.
At least that was the plan.
Late last year, the newly formed RAF ladies team – all of whom
had never played cricket before – challenged the Aussie girls
to a little friendly competition, with their inaugural tour of South
East Queensland scheduled for January.
Without an Air Force ladies side to accept the challenge, Air Force
Cricket Club OIC Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Sellick volunteered to
coach a team in time for the RAF’s arrival to RAAF Base Amberley.
After advertising for team members via e-mail, the 16 player all
ranks ladies side, aged from 17 to 40 years, were chosen from around
the base.
FLTLT Selleck described his coaching experience as rewarding, impressed
with the girls’ great team spirit, despite only completing
six practice sessions.
“None of the girls had ever played outdoor cricket before but
their commitment to training and great attitude was a credit to
themselves and the team.” FLTLT Selleck said.
RAAF Base Amberley played host to the RAF team over their two-week
cricket tour from January 18-31, with the five-match competition
against Air Force and South East Queensland teams proving too strong
for the visitors, unable to defeat any of their Aussie opponents.
In the two-match, 35 over encounter with Air Force, the RAF were
defeated convincingly 128 runs to 61 in the first match, and 5/170
to the RAF’s all out for 61 in the second.
Some impressive performances by the home team included Sergeant
Helen Pilatti with 65 not out; captain, Flight Sergeant Donna Puglisi,
52 not out and 4 wickets; Leading Aircraftwoman Michelle Searle,
24 not out; and SGT Jo Gillespie with 4 wickets in both games.
“Our main objective was to go out there and enjoy ourselves
and form some good relationships with the touring party,” said
FLTLT Selleck, who is now campaigning to get the ladies team on
the ADF cricket tour of England in 2005.
“The girls put on two outstanding performances and I was really
proud to be involved with such a fantastic group of players.”
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