Van De Heuvel the shining star

Under a scorching sun, Van De Heuvel pushed past the heat, retiring on 32 against the Inner East Emus as she led her team to 4-94.

In reply, the Emus’ top-order responded as openers Zoe Griffiths (30*) and Holly Spencer (30) put on a 68-run stand.

The Highlands’ Tahleah Ticehurst then secured a first-up victory as she claimed 2-8 to ensure a 15-run win.

During the afternoon session, the Highlands clinched a thrilling two-run win against the Gippsland Pride.

Van De Heuvel again retired on 31 as the Highlands posted 4-98.

The Pride appeared to pace their chase perfectly- with Nicole Faltum retiring on 32- before Ticehurst (2-19) struck twice to swing the momentum to the Highlands.

In other Pool D matches, the Inner South East Scorpions clinched a 58-run victory against the Emus.

The Scorpions dominated the match with openers Annabel Sutherland (30*) and Bella Gietzmann (27*) both retired as the Scorpions posted 2-81 from 15 overs.

The Emus’ run chase failed to take flight, with Sophie Hemingway collecting 2-3 en route to dismissing her opponents for 23.

In Pool B, the North East Knights remain undefeated after overpowering Western Spirit and Mallee Murray Heat, with outstanding performances from the Knights’ Tahlia Simpson (33*) and Maddison Baird (30*).

At Emil Madsen Reserve, the South East Sharks were Pool C’s only undefeated team.

Up against the Southern Pioneers, the Sharks chased down the Pioneers’ 56 after 10 overs and snared a six-wicket triumph over the Barwon Rockettes.

Pool A is tipped to be competitive this carnival with both the Northern Falcons and Western Waves remaining unbeaten.

It was a tough opening round match for the Falcons as they chased down the Northern Rivers’ 7-59 with six balls to spare.

Emma Leatham was the pick of the Falcons’ bowlers with 2-3.

The Waves defeated the Outer East Eagles comfortably, with Alyssa Humphries retiring on 30 to guide her side to 2-66.

In reply, the Eagles were restricted to 7-30, with Cheyenne Parsons claiming 2-4 with the new ball.

Due to the extreme heat, play at the Championships has been abandoned on Thursday, with Cricket Victoria to advise whether they will continue on Friday.

To see full results from the Under-14 VicSpirit Pathway Championships, click here.

Image sourced from the Ballarat Courier.