Smith back for Spirit
Tue, 5 January 2010
Veteran pace bowler Clea Smith has been included in the DEC VicSpirit's team for the opening WNCL game against SA Scorpions at the Adelaide Oval on Friday after recovering from a back injury. Smith, who celebrates her 31st birthday on Wednesday, hasn't played for the Spirit since the opening series against the Western Fury more than two months ago. The opening bowler replaces Dandenong youngster Naomi Fullwood for the first WNCL match, with the two swapping places for the second game. DEC VicSpirit coach Cathryn Fitzpatrick is keen to see Smith get back into the swing of things. "She's done all the right things with her rehab and we're keen to see where she's at," Fitzpatrick said. "With her experience and knowledge, she's invaluable to the group." The Spirit are on top of the WNCL ladder, five points clear of NSW Breakers and ACT Meteors, and will be looking to maintain that advantage against the Scorpions. "They've got a big reliance on Karen Rolton, Shelley Nitschke and Julie Woerner, but they're all class players who can make big scores, so it'll be difficult," Fitzpatrick said. "We've got lots of room for improvement, the results have been good, but there are a few key areas we haven't been happy with." The Spirit have named an unchanged line-up for Thursday's afternoon's Women's Twenty20 match against the Scorpions, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the final. Young guns Elyse Villani and Meg Lanning shared a 112-run opening-wicket partnership to steer the girls to a nine-wicket win against Tasmanian Roar, keeping the Spirit's unbeaten record intact. The DEC VicSpirit will take on the Scorpions on Thursday afternoon at the Adelaide Oval, the first match of a double-header with the DEC Bushrangers and West End Redbacks. "It's great for the girls to play in front of a big crowd of cricket lovers and show they're capable of putting on a good product," Fitzpatrick said. "You just want to finish 1-2 in this format, so hopefully we can seal a spot with a win." The Spirit meet the Scorpions in WNCL clashes at the Adelaide Oval on Friday and Saturday. DEC VicSpirit team for Women's Twenty20 v SA Scorpions: Rachael Haynes (captain) Emma Inglis (vice-captain) Kelly Applebee Briana Binch Jess Cameron Sharon Coldrey Sarah Elliott Kath Hempenstall Julie Hunter Meg Lanning Renee Melton Elyse Villani DEC VicSpirit squad for WNCL v SA Scorpions: Rachael Haynes (captain) Emma Inglis (vice-captain) Kelly Applebee Kristen Beams Briana Binch Jess Cameron Sarah Elliott Naomi Fullwood Kath Hempenstall Julie Hunter Renee Melton Clea Smith Elyse Villani (Smith to play game one on Friday, Fullwood to play game two on Saturday)
