Under-18s suffer first defeat

Having earlier defeated Auckland Schoolgirls by 50-runs, stretching their unbeaten run to five matches, the hosts lost their first match of the carnival as the Sandgropers successfully overhauled their target of 6-111.

Despite the loss, Victoria is expected to meet New South Wales, which it defeated in the opening round, in tomorrow’s final after meeting Queensland in a one-day match today.

Having been sent in by Western Australia, Victoria’s innings failed to gain momentum as it lost Bec Carter (six), Kate Dempsey (four) and Nic Hancock (three) early in proceedings.

Throughout the tumbling wickets, wicket-keeper Teagan Parker was the mainstay, top-scoring with an unbeaten 54 from 53 balls including four boundaries.

Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit rookie Alana King partnered Parker to a 28-run stand before falling for 10, becoming the only other batter to reach double figures in the process, while Julia Crockett-Grills (six), Sarah Chancellor-Goddard (eight) and Charlotte Killeen (six not out) provided minor contributions at the death.

In reply, Western Australia wobbled early as Crockett-Grills (1-23) and Gem Gibbins (1-15) struck with the new ball.

A 48-run third wicket partnership steadied proceedings before off-spinner Sarah Tatchell (1-13) broke through.

The wicket triggered a collapse of 4-19 as Chancellor-Goddard (2-14) claimed the first of her two scalps and a run-out, while King (1-13) also joined in on the act.

Western Australia maintained its composure down the stretch, however, as it overhauled the target with three wickets and two balls in hand.

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