Curtain comes down on Victoria’s WNCL season

Queensland proved too strong playing at home at Allan Border Field, securing a six-wicket win in Victoria’s first match.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Elyse Villani continued her good run of form with 55 from 72 deliveries at the top of the order. A middle order collapse left Victoria in trouble at 7-117, before a steadying partnership between Rhiann O’Donnell (29) and Elly Donald (29*) helped the visitors to 181 from its 50 overs.

The bowlers made promising inroads into the Queensland top order, reducing the home side to 4-76 in reply, but an unbeaten century stand between Grace Harris (53*) and Mikayla Hinkley (52*) steered the Fire to victory with 12 overs to spare. Makinley Blows (2-49) was the only multiple wicket-taker for the Vics.

Backing up for a second match in as many days, South Australia won a close encounter by three wickets.

Again being asked to bat first, Amy Vine scored a maiden WNCL half century as Victoria compiled 191 from 50 overs. The bowlers started brilliantly in South Australia’s batting innings, running through the Scorpions’ top order to have all the momentum at 3-18.

A steadying partnership between Tegan McPharlin (47) and Emma de Broughe (38) helped the Scorpions back into the match. Despite some late wickets, Amanda Wellington was the hero for South Australia, hitting an unbeaten 60 to get her team over the line for their first win of the season.

Captain Molly Strano (2-24), Tess Flintoff (2-31) and Courtney Neale (2-38) were the wicket takers for Victoria.