Dempsey guides Victoria home

In a major boil over, the eight-time defending champions failed to chase down Victoria’s total after being set 189 to win.

Having been sent in by the Blues, Rebecca Carter (10) and Emily Smith (12) saw off the new ball as they built a 34-run opening wicket partnership before the former was trapped in front.

Carter’s dismissal brought Dempsey to the crease and the Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit rookie made her opponents pay as she anchored the innings with 78 from 92 balls including six boundaries in more than two hours in the middle.

Sarah Tatchell, who was named in the team of the tournament last season, provided solid support as she peeled off an invaluable 20 after Victoria had lost 4-33 through the middle of its innings.

“It was a really good win,” assistant coach and VicSpirit captain Emma Inglis said.

“They’ve been the benchmark team, much like the WNCL, so to get them first up is a great result.

“They (Dempsey and Tatchell) put together an important 56-run partnership and the two openers batted really well.

“The conditions were tough early, so they did a great job.”

Unbeaten hands from Charlotte Killeen (17) and Chelsea Moscript (nine) at the death allowed the hosts to post 9-188 from their 50 overs.

In reply, the Victorians made a perfect start as vice-captain Julia Crocket-Grills (1-11) combined with Dempsey to remove opener Mary Molloy for three.

Quick Nicola Hancock joined the party as she claimed the first of three scalps for the day, finishing with 3-20 from her nine overs, to help run through the middle order.

Victoria’s spin-to-win mentality also paid dividends as Monscript (2-15), Tatchell (2-39) and Alana King (1-20) succeeded on a green deck that is expected to wear as the tournament goes on.

Victoria will face ACT in a one-day fixture today before the first of four Twenty20s.

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To see full results from the Under-18 National Championships, click here.