Sixes, runs, and centuries. Interstate players leading their teams to victory and The University of Queensland bringing home yet another piece of silverware. The KFC T20 Max women’s competition for 2024-25 had it all! LAURA SCHEIWE reports on the FInal.
Having been the top run scorer throughout the competition, Ellyse Villani did not disappoint in the semi final between Wynnum-Manly and Sandgate-Redcliffe. Although unable to bring home the win, Villani (59 off 32) was the sole run scorer in Wynnum’s first innings score of 9/131. It meant she comfortably finished at the top of the runs-scorers list, peeling off two centuries on the way to 544 runs for the tournament.
The second innings saw the opening partnership of Georgia Voll and interstate player, Katie Mack get their team off to a strong start. They both ensured an easy win for Sandgate, sailing to victory in only 16 overs.
Top of the table finishers, the University of Queensland automatically qualified for the grand final against Tuesday’s winners Sandgate, with the decider under lights at Allan Border Field.
UQ lost the toss and were sent into bowl first, with Sandgate putting on 174 guided by Voll’s 61 (34).
UQ were behind the eight-ball in their chase, needing 116 from the final 10 overs, until a player of the match effort from interstate star, Maddie Penna as the Gators attack battled the dew and the onslaught from the Adelaide Strikers star.
Penna hit a huge 111* off 53 to guide the Student’s home. This knock included 6 massive sixes and 15 fours taking Penna to the second top run scorer of the competition.
She and Tara Wheeler (28no) were unconquered at the end, with more than an over to spare.
New head coach of UQ, Anthony Clarke stated, “We had the perfect lead up to the competition… to come up against a club with so much talent and experience and pull off a win like that is a testament to the belief our players had. Maddie Penna’s innings was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed in any level of T20 cricket.”
