Jonassen shines despite title loss

THE Queensland under-17 girl’s cricket team failed to win the national title but once again Rockhampton’s Jessica Jonassen proved what a talent she is.

Queensland was well beaten by New South Wales in the final of the Australian championships at Brisbane but Jonassen was on hand to gain personal honours.

Her tournament average was outstanding, scoring 134 runs at an average of 67 while her average with the ball was an incredible 6.1.

Even in the final Jonassen shone, scoring 36 at a run a ball in a team total of just 86 runs.

New South Wales had hit 8-193 in its 45 overs with Jonassen the best Queensland bowler with a return of 2-25 from her nine overs.

The Rockhampton star had missed some game time due to her senior commitments with her Women’s National Cricket League team, Queensland Fire, in its win over the ACT Meteors.

At the conclusion of the tournament Jonassen’s performances were recognised.

When the championship team was announced Jonassen was one of just two Queenslanders selected, the other being Hayley Pattison, of Sandgate-Redcliffe.

There was even better news for the Rockhampton player.

Also announced was the player of the tournament and Jonassen took that award jointly with Victorian Stephanie Townsend who had amassed 226 runs.

In all, four Queenslanders gained selection to the Australian under-18 squad.

Not surprisingly Jonassen and Pattison were selected along with Hervey Bay wicketkeeper Beth Mooney and Rebecca Hollindale who, like Jonassen, is a member of this season’s Queensland Fire squad.