EMP takes T20 crown

The final featured eight Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit squad members with Elyse Villani, Emma Inglis and Kathleen Hempenstall representing Brunswick and Brianna Binch, Kristen Beams, Emily McIntyre, Molly Strano and Emma Kearney donning EMP’s colours.

Brunswick Park won the toss and elected to bat first, but was in trouble early, losing trump cards Villani and Inglis for five apiece, both caught by Kearney off the bowling of Binch, who finished with exceptional figures of 2-6 from four overs including a maiden.

Tammy Norquay tried to stabilise the innings as wickets fell around her, top-scoring with 21, but Beams ripped through the middle order, knocking over Jess Kile (four), Adelaide Champion (four) and Nicola Hancock (nine) to rip the heart out of the innings, restricting Brunswick Park to 8-73 from its 20 overs.

The five bowlers used, Binch, Kearney (1-18 off four), McIntyre (0-14 off four), Beams, (3-14 off four) and Strano (2-19 off four) all conceded below five runs per over.

Hempenstall sent shivers through the Bombers’ranks by grabbing the early wicket of Emily Smith for a golden duck, but from there on in they looked in complete control, cruising to the win on the first ball of the 19^th over.

McIntyre was awarded the player-of-the-match award for an excellent 41 not out from 64 balls, anchoring the chase, and she was ably supported by Strano, who finished unbeaten on 19 from 27 deliveries.

To see a full scorecard from the VWCA Twenty20 final, click here.