CARLTON RETAIN WOMEN'S PREMIER LEAGUE CROWN
Carlton have been crowned Women’s Premier League champions for a fourth consecutive season, after two wins in three days across last weekend ensured they could not be caught at the top.
On Friday at Grange Loan, a dominant performance in the field restricted Stewart’s Melville to 93-6 in 20 overs, with Scotland cap Sam Haggo taking 3-7 in four overs. Haggo then starred in reply, as an unbeaten 26, complemented by 27 from fellow international Abbi Aitken-Drummond, saw Carlton to their target inside 16 overs with seven wickets in hand.
The title was confirmed two days later in Barnton, as Haggo (47) and Aitken-Drummmond (49) again dominated with the bat, building an imposing total of 149-6 in 20 overs against Royal High Corstorphine. The home side’s chase never got going as they finished on 79-9, with four wickets for Aitken-Drummond and two for recently capped Gabriella Fontenla doing the major damage, as Carlton won by 70 runs.
The victories ensure Carlton have finished the season unbeaten in the WPL for the second consecutive year – they last tasted defeat in a league match in May 2022.
Carlton Vice-captain Charis Scott said:
“To retain the title is really special, especially with this group of girls. The weather on Sunday was pretty horrendous, but we managed to get through it and we were all soaking at the end!
“Sam and Abbi were great all weekend, just knocking the ball about the park as usual, and produced the big performances that we need; but even when they don’t perform we have players down the order that we trust and who can perform. We’ve got loads of bowlers, so it’s always nice to be able to chuck the ball to anyone and know they will do a job.
“Winning four on the trot is quite an achievement, and it’s testament to all the hard work and commitment that everyone at Carlton has put in. It’s about all the girls wanting to do the best for themselves and the club, and we really enjoy being on the pitch together, and having fun when we do it.
“Everyone’s played their part this year, and it’s been nice to see all the girls improve, the younger ones especially.
“One of the highlights for me has been Sarah Beith – “Mother Beith” as we like to call her! – and the way that she has improved in opening the batting. It’s not an easy job but she’s worked so hard throughout the winter and into the summer.
“Abbi and Sam have been unreal with the bat all summer, seeing the ball like beachballs. Then there’s the young girls – Agnes (Foley), Maisie (Maceira), Gabbi (Fontenla), Saskia (Aldridge) – and the way you can always trust them to do a job.
“The title win is great not just for our team but for the club as a whole, and just shows how committed Carlton are to improving and growing women’s cricket. The main thing is we enjoy it, and leave everything out there when doing it.”