Victoria commences defence

As the reigning champions, the boys claimed a convincing eight-wicket win while the girls fell short in a nail-biting finish.

Having lost the toss and been sent into field, the Victorian boys team made a positive start, dismissing opener Zack McCabe for 12.

Angus Parker (31) and Zac Worden (30*) steadied the South Australian ship before Victoria’s bowling attack restricted them to 7-124 after 50 overs. Wickets were shared among the Victorians with six different bowlers featuring.

In reply, Victoria showed why they are a dominant force with opener James Dekel piling on an unbeaten 58.

With contributions from Max Stevenson (34) and Mitchell Domann (24) the Victorians reached the total in the 37th over with 2-126.

In the girls division, Victoria faced South Australia in a close encounter.

Being sent into bat, Victoria’s Tiana Atkinson impacted heavily on the scoreboard, bringing up her half-century before being retired.

Victorian Imparja Cup representative Merinda Hale also lifted the run-rate with an unbeaten 25 to see Victoria reach a total of 6-147 after its 35 overs.

In return, the Victorian attack started strongly dismissing opening batters Paxton Davis-Mattner and Nikki Grosser for naught and three, respectively.

However, an unbeaten 51 from Rachel Church saw the South Australians reach the total with one wicket in hand.

Hale also shined with the ball claiming 2-11 from four overs while Emma Sands took 2-23 from five.

Both Victorian teams will face Queensland today in their round two clashes.

To view the results, click here.