With half the side having never played before and the team with a record of no wins in their 6 previous matches, their hopes of success weren’t high, as they drove over the border to the Cyprus University Ground in South Nicosia,
The Cricket Associations in both the North and South along with the Republic’s Sri Lankan team have organised a Ladies league with 3 mini tournaments being played at each other’s grounds.
The first game pitched the Greek Cypriot side Moufflons against the TRNC. The South won the toss and decided to bat first and after their 5 frantic overs, their innings finished on 31 without loss, Garima 11 and Kirstin 20. Everyone had to bowl one over except the keeper, and the North’s practice sessions at Pia Bella had paid off with tight bowling from everyone, particularly Maria Mansfield 3 runs and Gina Mapp only going for 2.
TRNC’s Captain Hale Silifkeli described their reply as electric, after the early dismissal of Mansfield, Kelsey Ace 22 and Gina Mapp 9, smashed the 32 runs needed in 2.4 overs.
The second match was against a very experienced Sri Lankan team, being drawn from several sides that regularly play each other. Now on a roll, Silifkeli won the toss and decided to field using the theory, chasing was easier than setting a score. Katy Eliza again opened with her accurate bowling conceding a miserly 8 runs, but the rest of the North’s bowling was caned, with top scorer Deepa getting 42 out of the sub-continent’s massive 71.
Kelsey Ace and Maria Mansfield fought hard in what became an ill-tempered second innings, following the Sri Lankan’s misunderstanding of some rules and re-interrupting others. After Ace was bowled by an outstanding swinging Yorker from Mali for 17 and Mansfield caught for 18 in came Gina Mapp scoring 4 and Lynn Holman 2 leaving the TRNC 37 short of the target.
The tournament’s final game was between the Moufflons and the Sri Lankans went very much to the form book. Chasing 70, the Greek side never really competed and were well beaten by 35 runs.
TRNC Captain Hale Silifkeli collecting her first piece of silverware, smilingly said, finally a win, it feels amazing.
The matches are 6-a-side, 5 overs/innings, played with tennis balls and fast and furious, great for fitness. Training is at the Pia Bella Stadium (opposite the hotel). Holman says, anyone interested is very welcome, most of the team haven’t played before. For further information call Lynn 0542 8893680.
TRNC and Cyprus Ladies Cricket Teams – TRNC Bottom Row L to R
Katy Eliza, Lynn Holman, Maria Mansfield, Hale Silifkeli,
Kelsey Ace and Gina Mapp
