Amanda-Jade Wellington was the star of the Scorpions WNCL victory against Western Australia on Tuesday, with her top score and three wickets in the 87-run win not even the highlight – Wellington became the SA Scorpions leading wicket taker in WNCL history with her first wicket of the day.
Wellington achieved the record on the Oval named after the lady she has just overtaken on the wicket taking tally, with her 107th wicket eclipsing Karen Rolton’s 106 WNCL wickets.
The leg-spinner became the youngest player to represent South Australia at 15-years-old and now aged only 26 with an amazing record under her belt, there’s still a long way to go in her career.
It was an all-round brilliant game for Wellington, who rescued the Scorpions batting innings after a difficult start with a top-score of 73.
She then followed up with three wickets in the fielding innings as the Scorpions bowled WA out for 176.
Speaking post-match, Wellington said the record-breaking day hadn’t yet sunk in.
“I know it’s a massive milestone after someone like Karen Rolton holding it for so long and you’ve got people like Shelley Nitchske who have represented the Scorpions,” Wellington said.
“It’s pretty incredible when I think about it.
“I got some extra handshakes and hugs and I know my family were watching as well.
“When I think about being in this squad for 11 years, it’s crazy to think that I’ve still got so much more to give.
“I hope I have a lot more to go and I can set a record for someone else to break one day.”
At the beginning of the day, captain Jemma Barsby won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Emma de Broughe (49 runs) setting a solid foundation.
Courtney Webb and Maddie Penna both made starts but it was the bowlers Wellington and Kate Peterson who had the longest partnership – a crucial 92 runs which helped the side to 9-263 in 50 overs.
Scorpions debutant Courtney Neale received her State cap from former Scorpion Sarah Lowe pre-game and then took the new ball in the second innings, bowling Mathilda Carmichael to get her first wicket for South Australia.
Every Scorpions bowler contributed, with Peterson finishing with the best figures of 3-26.
Anesu Mushangwe and Jemma Barsby each took one, while Penna created pressure with her efficiency.
Bowling WA out for less than 200 meant that the Scorpions earned their third straight bonus point of the season.
South Australia and Western Australia will meet again on Thursday at Karen Rolton Oval.
Entry is free to the match which will begin at 10am. Food and beverage can be purchased at Park 25 Pantry, with all match day information available here.