Germany v Dutch XI
The German team was really fired up : if they beat the Dutch, they would qualify for the final. The six Dutch players again received help from the Belgian girls, again that was hugely appreciated. Helped by some good bowling early on the Dutchies kept Germany at under 5 an over, while taking wickets along the way. Monika Loveday batted right until the last over, when she was run out for 16 patient runs. The Utrecht ladies from Kampong plus two Belgian bowlers produced too many extras (59), a total of 102 - exactly the core Belgium managed vs Dutch the day before - was on the board. Good and economical bowling came from Poppy McGeown (1-13/4) Dzifa Beresford hit a quick fire 16 not out at the end. The Dutch innings started disastrous with Ingrid van derdeserve Elst playing a full toss onto her stumps. The innings never got started, top scorer was Sophie Luikinga with 6. The Germans bowled extremely well, straight and full, and they were rewarded with 10 Dutch wickets including 3 run-outs. Steffie Mix surely her man of the match award that the Dutch handed out after every match with her figures of 3-2/4. Often good performers with the ball were S. Frohnmayer with 2-6 and J. Langer with 0-6, not conceding any runs off the bat. Germany did reach the final with this win.
Belgium v Hungary
Belgium were very keen to beat the Hungarians: they did not want to end up without a win. Also, this match would decide the other finalist. A Belgian victory would mean that all 3 sides (Hungary, Dutch XI, Belgium) would finish with 2 points each. The decision then would come through the regulation of the best run rate per over in all 3 matches.
A fine batting performance, especially by Poppy McGeown with the tournaments topscore so for of 55 not out, saw Belgium through to a grand total of 122 for the loss of only two wickets. Young Dani Moore struck a wonderful 27. Claudia Balogh did her best to keep the score down with 0-12 off 4, Brigi Hotea took the only wicket to end up with 1-21.
Hungary lost early wickets and were in trouble at 9/2. Balogh again showed her talent with a well paced 42 not out, with intelligent running and 8 fours. In the end thought Hungary fell short, due to a great last over by McGeown. Hungary needed 10 runs off the last over, McGeown only conceded 6, and could celebrate a well-deserved win in the tournament’s most exciting match so far.
Bowling: Poppy McGeown 1-10, Francesca Moore 1-23, Danielle Moore 3-16 (great figures!)
Umpires Richard Eames and Peter de Boeck had the daunting task of working out the run rate per over per team. Due to the meager score vs Germany the Dutch dropped to four place, playing Belgium on Saturday, while Germany and Hungary will contest the final.
Final Group Positions:
1st Germany
2nd Hungary
3rd Belgium
4th Dutch XI
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