Under-18s set the pace

Fresh off one-day victories over New South Wales and ACT, the Victorians stamped their authority on the Twenty20 format with convincing wins over South Australia and Tasmania, the latter securing a double bonus point in the process.

Despite being rolled by South Australia for just 99, bolstered by 22 from 18 balls from captain Sarah Chancellor-Goddard, Victoria’s attack rose to the occasion as they struck back with the ball.

Having crafted a 24-run opening stand, Julia Crockett-Grills (1-13) provided the initial breakthrough before left-arm quick Gemma Gibbins (1-7) produced the death rattle to ensure two new batters were at the crease.

While South Australia steadied, the introduction of Chancellor-Goddard (3-16) proved a turning point as she secured two wickets in as many balls, missing her hat-trick, but swinging the momentum firmly in favour of her side.

Nic Hancock (3-16) proved the perfect partner at the opposite end as the pair claimed combined figures of 6-32 from eight overs to help rout their opponents for 72.

Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit leg-spinner Alana King claimed 1-1 as she wrapped up proceedings in the 27-run victory.

In the afternoon session, the Victorian attack again stood tall, limiting Tasmania to 6-68 before overhauling the target with eight wickets and more than 11 overs to spare.

Having sent Tasmania in, Crockett-Grills (1-5) struck in the opening over before a run had been scored to lay the platform for a disciplined bowling performance.

While skipper Meg Phillips anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 43 from 62 balls, opener Paris Crowe (11) was the only other batter to reach double figures as Victoria suffocated the Tasmanian batting line-up.

Crowe, who faced 35 balls during her 49-run second wicket stand with Phillips, was eventually brought undone by off-spinner Sarah Tatchell (1-16) as Teagan Parker completed a neat stumping.

King (1-10) soon joined the action before Chancellor-Goddard (2-7) saw herself on her second hat-trick for the day.

With a required run rate of less than 3.50 per over, Victoria made light work of the chase as Bec Carter slammed 37 from 33 balls at the top of the order including two boundaries.

A dozen extras contributed to Tasmania’s downfall, with Hancock (seven) the only other batter to fall as Parker (10) and King (three) finished unbeaten inside of nine overs.

Victoria will enjoy a rest day today before further Twenty20s against Auckland Schoolgirls and Western Australia tomorrow.

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