The perfect start

Gippsland’s Gemma Gibbins (1*) showed nerves of steel when she joined South Eastern Sharks’ Natalie Plane at the crease with 13 still required for victory and just one wicket in hand.

The pair maintained their composure down the stretch, however, as they overhauled the 114-run target with more than five overs to spare.

“It was nerve wracking,” Victorian coach Duncan Harrison said.

“It was great to get out of the blocks with a good win against a quality opponent.”

Earlier in the day, NSW won the toss and elected to bat, with Victoria doing a superb job to dismiss the defending champions for 113 in the 41^st over.

Western Spirit’s Nicola Hancock (3-13) bowled with good pace with the new ball before she was banished from the attack in her fourth over for delivering two beam balls.

Despite her absence, left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux continued to apply the pressure as she finished with 2-10 from seven overs.

Molineux then top-scored with 21 from 45 balls, with Hope Irvine (16) and Alana King (13) providing cameos.

Victoria will continue its campaign against Western Australia today.

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