Primrose Cricket Club’s women’s team captain, Insaaf Ismail remains positive despite struggling against Durbanville, in their opening Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier league fixture, against Durbanville, at the weekend.
Roses lost the toss and were sent to bat first, posting a score of 57 all out. Sedicka Bardien scored 13 runs, while Ismail scored five runs in 16 overs. Durbanville reached their target in 10 overs, with six wickets in hand. Gerna Swart top-scored with 18 not out.
For their bowlers, destroyer-in-chief Renchia Pretorius claimed 7/17 in eight overs, while her Durbanville teammate Ine-Mari Marx was equally impressive with the ball, taking 2/4 in two overs.
Ismail, 22, is positive about the women’s premier league cricket fixtures despite suffering a loss in their opening game. Ismail said they have about four core members that are really dedicated.
They are inviting all women who are keen to play cricket to join them on Friday at 5.30pm at Primrose Cricket Club.
“On Sunday, against Durbanville, we lost the toss and they sent us to bat first. Initially we wanted to bowl first because it was a bowlers pitch. But our top line-up collapsed quite quickly, forcing myself and Sedicka to bat throughout the innings.
“We didn’t post a huge score, I scored five after about 10 overs. We couldn’t take singles and the batting line collapsed. Most of our players are still new to the game,” she said.
Primrose coach, Saeed Agherdien said he started coaching the team three to four years ago when they were playing in the lower divisions.
“On Sunday, against Durbanville, it was their first Premier League game of the season.
“We had a good start in terms of defence, but when we lost our first wicket, the middle order collapsed. We gave it a good ball when we bowled. I don’t think we can blame the pitch, it was our home pitch.
Ismail said she developed the love for cricket from the very young age of 11.
“At under-19 I went for the Western Province Cricket trials and I made it through. I continued to play club cricket for Old Mutual before I moved to Primrose Cricket Club two years ago.
“At Primrose I feel like I have grown as a cricketer, particularly as a batswoman.
“I have been encouraged by my brother as well who has been playing for Primrose for the past four to five years,” she said.
Ismail said Western Province Cricket has the best women’s side in the country, however, this is a result of development at a schools level.
“Women’s cricket in the province is the best there is but I feel like they could develop women’s cricket from school level up. It’s easy to learn when you are still young.
“Some moves, especially for a batsman, you learn from a young age but they are relevant throughout your batting career,” she said.
Primrose will face UWC in the next fixture. Training sessions are held on Fridays at 5.30pm, at the Rosmead sportsfield, in Kenilworth. Call 076 687 1507 for more information.