Mount Isa FBI ladies cricket team claim Goldfield Ashes victory

Feral Bitches Inland (FBI) have entered in the cricket competition now for more than 17 years and this year saw them walk away winning all their games (one to forfeit).

The games took place over the Australia Day weekend. Saturday January 25 saw FBI come up against Hormoans, after winning the toss Hormoans decided to bat first, some tight bowling and great fielding saw Hormoans bowled out for 59 runs from 15 overs.

Walking out onto the field, the FBI opening batters Tracee Williamson and Ann Koteno Newton looked confident. After a tight couple of overs at the start, the bowling got easier and after nine overs FBI had passed Hormoans score and were now looking to score as many runs as possible from the remaining 11 overs to maximise their points.

Both Tracee and Ann retired on 50 runs (maximum allowed) and were well supported by Donna McDonald and Jade Carter, with FBI making four for 153 from 20 overs. The win put FBI in second place after day one 50 runs behind Black Bream Ladies.

Sunday's game was against Whipper Snippers who FBI had not played for four years, once again FBI lost the toss but this time were sent in too bat. Openers Tracee Williamson and Tenielle Humphreys got FBI off to a flyer with both ladies retiring in the eighth and ninth overs with FBI on 110 runs.

There was no slowing the next batters down either with 122 runs scored off the remaining 11 overs for a total of two for 232 from 20 overs. Kim Smith chipped in with 50 runs retired, with Jade Carter and Donna McDonald once again batting well.

Tracee Williamson was handed the new ball for Whipper Snippers innings and struck immediately clean bowling the opening batter. Steady wickets fell throughout the innings and after 20 overs FBI had held Whipper Snippers to 9 for 85.

The big win on day two and a close battle between Black Bream Ladies and More Ass Than Class saw FBI jump to first place on the ladder 50 runs in front of Black Bream Ladies.

Monday was supposed to see FBI take on TSV Dingoes but due to the rain and potential flooding TSV Dingoes forfeited the match so they could leave and get home safely. After winning all three games the year before and currently placing third they felt a bit worried due to the forfeit of where they would finish.

Unsure of how points were awarded for a forfeit, FBI enquired with the games committee who explained that FBI would receive the same points as the highest winning team for the day.

FBI coach Bev Peters said the 2020 carnival was very successful scoring 551 runs and taking 29 wickets they were crowned the Ladies Champions, 50 runs in front of the Black Bream Ladies team from Townsville.

"FBI player Tracee Williamson was also named Ladies player of the tournament," Peters said.

"The tournament is like a family reunion, with some former Mount Isa girls coming from Townsville and Mackay to play each year. Although we are in it to win it, it is also about socialising and having fun with old friends and new foes on the cricket field.

"The success of the FBI team is due to lots of hard work and the kind sponsorship and support of three businesses in Mount Isa - ADG, Topfire Construction and Redpath Mining, without this support FBI would not exist."

Peters said interest in the Goldfield Ashes ladies division was growing each year.

"I have seen the competition swell from eight teams, back when I first competed, to 18 teams this year," she said.

"The Goldfield Ashes has been held since 1948 and there are no signs of things slowing down with the 72nd carnival attracting about 240 teams playing on 79 various cricket pitches throughout the town.

"It is the largest cricket carnival of its type in the southern hemisphere."

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