A strong all-round effort enabled the Wests Rosellas to claim their first Newcastle District Cricket Association’s (NDCA) Women’s T20 League on Wednesday night.

But, for four members of the squad – captain Maddie McGuigan, her mum Simone, Clare Webber and Abbey Taylor, they celebrated a hat-trick of titles following an exciting five-run victory over Waratah Mayfield at Alfred Harker Oval.

The quartet also tasted success with two-time champions Newcastle City before making the move to the Rosellas this season.

“My dad is the head coach at Wests,” McGuigan said.

“So, he convinced us to come over.

“But, it was great to capture the Rosellas’ maiden women’s T20 crown with them.

“Especially playing alongside mum; it’s so good.

“She totally loves it.

“Now, we’re keen to win a fourth consecutive title together.”

Opting to bat to kick off proceedings, the Rosellas managed 4-68 in a low-scoring affair.

McGuigan led by example, with an unbeaten 19, while Jessica Holmes and Webber chipped in with 17 not out and 10 respectively.

For Waratah, Emma-Jayne Howe snared 2-11.

“We were definitely under pressure,” McGuigan said.

“They bowled well from the start, which made things difficult.”

In reply, Waratah began solidly, with Howe in charge with 24, however the side lost 9-30 – and its way – to be bundled out for 63 in the final over.

McGuigan bagged 3-6, with Molly Kidd securing 1-15, Grace Dignam 1-11, Jess Hjort 1-14, Taylor 1-10 and Lara Robertson 1-6.

“All the girls were in it together – it was a real team performance,” the skipper said.

“That was the most pleasing aspect [of the victory].

“When we got that last wicket, we were all so excited.”

With Hunter products Maisy Gibson (Thunder, Hurricanes) and Samantha Bates (Thunder) progressing through to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in recent years, McGuigan believes the Newcastle T20 competition could provide additional stars to the national format sooner rather than later.

“It’s good to see the [local] girls getting involved,” she said.

“The NDCA’s Women’s T20 League has really grown – there’s more teams and they’re stronger.

“I think it’s a genuine pathway for other comps, like the WBBL, and something we can aspire to.”

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