Two out of three ain’t bad

By Lachlan Ellis

The Ballarat Cricket Association (BCA) Under 14 Girls have won their second Western Victoria Girls Shield in three years, and three Ballan players spearheaded the campaign.

The BCA side has made three Grand Final appearances in a row at the tournament, going down last year and winning the year before – and one of the team’s coaches, Max Burton, said it was a thrill to win once again this year.

“It was very exciting to win again. Last year we finished second, and we really asked the team to play out every game in this year’s tournament, which they did incredibly well over the five matches we played. To come away from Hamilton with another tournament win was very satisfying for our team of fantastic young athletes and also for both coaches,” Mr Burton told the Moorabool News.

“Although the main aim is to always have fun, some success allows the individuals within the team to see an outcome from their performances that is nice to experience in a sporting world.”

Mr Burton was brought in this year to assist Anthony McIlwaine, who has coached the BCA team over the past few years.

He said it was fantastic watching the players develop and improve, and strengthen their bonds.

“It is pleasing to see young people enjoy what they do and develop skills. The core of the BCA U/14s representative side has been together for a number of years now and it’s great to see the development and friendships of the players from across the Ballarat region,” Mr Burton said.

“The ‘Amigos’ as ‘Mac’ calls them (Kori Davenport, Clover McIlwaine, and Sarah Burton) have shared some cricket highlights over the last few years, including winning the BCA U/13 premiership last season. Ballan Cricket Club has been very fortunate to nurture the beginnings of these three cricketers. From club level to representative level, and now the state championship over the last few years.”

Some highlights from the ‘Amigos’ during the campaign include Clover making bowling figures of 4/12 in the Grand Final, Sarah making 105 not out in the semi final, and Kori continuing to improve their wicketkeeping, bowling, and batting skills.