Pride of place at VicSpirit Championships

The Pride’s title defence remains on track after clinching a 10-wicket victory against a previously unbeaten Central Highlands outfit, while the Waves secured a nine-wicket win against South East Sharks.

Emily Scully played a lone hand for the Highlands as she top-scored with an unbeaten 33 in her team’s total of 65 as Teagan Fairbrother (5-9) ripped through the lower order.

The defending champions made light work of the run chase as Sophie Molineux (68) and Chelsea Monscript (29) put on a 118-run opening stand.

Georgia Fisher (40) then cashed in as the Pride reached 5-213.

The Waves were just as impressive accounting for the Sharks as they routed their opponents for 31.

Gemma Gibbons led the attack with 3-10, while Rhiann O’Donnell (2-1), Claire Nolte (3-14) and Makinley Blows (2-6) all pocketed wickets to decimate the Sharks.

In reply, the Waves tallied 7-154 as O’Donnell proved her all-rounder status with an unbeaten 43.

East Metro finished third on the table after clinching a nine-wicket victory over South East Metro in the final round.

The match belonged to Bec Carter as she struck the first century of the tournament with a superb knock of 128 not out.

Having been sent in, South East Metro tallied 7-118 courtesy of impressive performances from Ellie Hearne (37), Hannah Bailies (28) and Madeline Hince (24).

Carter paced the chase superbly, however, and was well supported by Kyra Black (33) and Megan Hickman (34) as East Metro finished at 2-215.

South West finished its campaign on a winning note after securing a 41-run victory against North East Knights.

Nicola Hancock top-scored with 27 as South West was dismissed for 165 after Erin Stanton snared 5-15.

Opener Kaitlyn Ritchie (28) attempted to fuel the Knights’ assault, but fell short of the target, as they were all out for 124 in the 36^th over.

Sophie Reid steered North Metro to a 52-run victory over Northern Rivers after crunching 82 at the top of the order.

The Falcons posted 9-205 before dismissing the Rivers 153.

Parry Jenkins (59) rounded out a fine campaign with her maiden half-century of the tournament, while Alexandra Mulcahy (31) provided solid support during a 51-run opening stand.

The Final of the Under-18 VicSpirit Pathway Championships will be held at the MCG on Sunday, February 23.

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