Waratah-Mayfield's Meaghan MacDonald has claimed a hat-trick in the opening round of the inaugural Newcastle District Cricket Association women's T20 league.
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In her first game of competitive cricket, MacDonald dismissed three Hamilton-Wickham opponents in as many deliveries to finish her single over with 3-1 at Passmore Oval on Wednesday afternoon.
MacDonald's fellow Australian rules recruit Kate Handley also starred by top scoring with an unbeaten 54 in the 137-run victory.
Handley and Lauren Taylor (24 not out) combined for an unbroken partnership in a total of 3-180.
MacDonald then led the reply alongside Waratah opening bowler Cassie McLaren (3-7 from three overs) and captain Fiona Mackenzie (2-2 from two overs) with hosts Hamwicks all out for 43.
"It was a bit of a blockbuster way to start it off," Waratah coach Josh Brackenbury said.
"I think the girls we're just really happy to finally get a chance.
"We had a few come over from Aussie rules and there were a couple [Mackenzie, McLaren] that have come back after playing juniors for us [Waratah] years ago."
Hamwicks had opener Wendy Rodgers score five runs while Jemima Thomas clinched a wicket.
In the other round-one fixture, played at the same time across at Learmonth Park, and Newcastle City proved too strong for Wests.
City chased down 7-81 just two wickets down inside 13 overs. Opening batter Kelsey Miller produced a powerful display, hitting two sixes and eight fours in her unbeaten 61.
Earlier and Sabres off-spinner Abbey Taylor, who delivered the historic first ball, picked up 2-12 off four overs.
Right-arm opening bowler Maddie McGuigan chimed in with 1-14 from four overs and Thea Graham 1-2 off three overs.
"It was such a great thing to be apart of and the girls were appreciative of what was going on," City coach Tom Anderson said.
The highlight for Wests was a 29-run stand between two Sharpe family members, mother Sonia (22) and daughter Montanna (16).
Molly Walsh, who hit the first ball of the innings for a single, ended up with 2-10 from her three overs for the Rosellas.
"All the girls came off with a smile on their face," Wests coach Steve Petherbridge said.
ROUND 2: Waratah-Mayfield v Newcastle City at Waratah Oval, Wests v Hamilton-Wickham at Harker Oval (November 6).
ROUND 3: Newcastle City v Hamilton-Wickham at Learmonth Park, Waratah-Mayfield v Wests at Harker Oval (November 13).
