Australia’s second annual Green vs Gold red-ball clash lived up to expectations as Nicole Faltum led CA Green secured a commanding 121-run victory over Charli Knott led CA Gold at Canberra’s Phillip Oval. Serving as a crucial lead-up to England A’s tour of Australia, the match provided an intense battle between emerging domestic talents. While both teams had their moments, CA Green ultimately outclassed their opponents with a dominant all-round performance.
CA Green dominates first innings as Sianna Ginger shines
CA Green made a strong start to the match after winning the toss and choosing to bat, setting the foundation for a formidable total. Despite losing an early wicket in the form of Maddy Darke in the second over, they went on to post a total of 282.
Rachael Trenaman, the other opener, scored a resilient 39(101) but the highlight of the innings was tailender Sianna Ginger’s 62 off 91 balls, which included 10 fours showcasing her elegant stroke play—her drives down the ground, including two well-timed boundaries off Amy Edgar, were particularly eye-catching.
She formed a crucial 63-run partnership with Ella Hayward, who contributed 30 off 75 balls, providing stability in the middle order. Grace Dignam also chipped in with 45 off 61 balls, including 7 fours, displaying her versatility with well-placed shots. Some useful contributions from the other batters powered the team to a strong score.
For CA Gold, Tess Flintoff claimed 4 wickets in her 7 overs striking twice in a single over to remove Katie Mack and Nicole Faltum with sharp deliveries that found the edge, while Amy Edgar took 3, but CA Green’s strong batting display had already set the tone for the match.
CA Gold trails by 34 runs despite Broughe’s 84 as Prestwidge produces five-fer
CA Gold trailed by 34 runs in response to CA Green’s total, despite a valiant effort from Emma de Broughe, who scored 84 off 172 balls, including 7 fours—her innings was marked by patience and precision, with two exquisite cover drives off Amanda-Jade Wellington standing out.
Charli Knott contributed with a brisk 40 off 61 balls, striking 6 fours, while Tess Flintoff remained unbeaten on 44 off 82 balls, stabilizing the innings with well-timed strokes.
However, Georgia Prestwidge (5/31) was the game-changer for CA Green, claiming a superb five-wicket haul. She started by trapping Courtney Webb LBW, before clean-bowling Anika Learoyd. She then dismissed Amy Smith, who mistimed a pull to mid-wicket, and Maitlan Brown, who lofted a catch to mid-on. Prestwidge sealed her dominant spell by bowling Holly Ferling, restricting CA Gold to 248 and giving CA Green a vital first-innings advantage.
Katie Mack’s unbeaten ton powers CA Green to a 248-run lead
CA Green extended their lead in their second innings, setting a daunting target of 249 for CA Gold, declaring at 214/4. Building on their first innings advantage of 34 runs, CA Green’s batters fired all cylinders, with Katie Mack leading the charge. She remained unbeaten on 102 off 148 balls, smashing 11 fours along the way. At her aggressive best, Mack smashed a series of boundaries off Maitlan Brown in a single over, driving one past long off before cutting two powerful shots behind point.
Nicole Faltum also made a significant contribution, scoring 62 off 96 balls with 7 fours. The duo forged a crucial 137-run partnership. Despite losing openers Rachael Trenaman and Maddy Darke to Maitlan Brown who claimed two wickets, CA Green’s middle order ensured they posted a challenging total, leaving CA Gold with a mountain to climb.
Lilly Miles five-for crushes CA Gold’s hope as they fold for 127
CA Gold’s woes continued as they crumbled for just 127 runs in pursuit of 249, falling 121 runs short of the target. None of their batters, apart from Charli Knott, managed to cross 20. Knott fought a lone battle, scoring 59 off 74 balls, striking 8 fours, including a powerful shot through deep mid-wicket and a streaky edge past third man off Georgia Prestwidge.
However, Lilly Mills turned the game decisively in CA Green’s favor, claiming a stunning five-wicket haul. She dismissed Bridget Patterson and Maitlan Brown LBW, removed Tess Flintoff with a sharp return catch, and later bowled Amy Edgar. Her most crucial scalp came when Charli Knott mistimed a pull to deep mid-wicket, sealing CA Green’s dominant win.
The match served as an exciting precursor to Australia A’s upcoming series against England A, with several young players showcasing their talents. As they prepare to face England on March 26, this match provides a promising indication of the team’s depth and talent.
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