Women’s cricket got underway on Sunday with a full day’s play possible despite rain threatening to derail the opening round.
East Belmont gave Ocean Grove a hiding in A Grade with the Grubbers all out for 43. Danielle Vigilante was the only batter to reach double figures with 13.
East Belmont made the runs in 11 overs with Tanya Taylor taking the only wicket to fall although Vigilante was economical, conceding just five runs from her three overs.
Portarlington and Barrabool played a high-scoring game with the Bulls emerging victorious.
Barrabool made 4/139 with Annie-Rose Maloney making 49 and Megan McKenna not out on 34.
Port replied with 3/110 thanks to Olivia Hoskin, who remained unbeaten on 40 and Louise Tilders (38 not out).
In B Grade, Collendina had a bye and will play its first game against South Barwon at home on Sunday.
Anglesea debuted its first ever women’s team and was triumphant in C Grade against Lethbridge with Olivia Eskrigge making 29.
St Leonards unveiled its first ever women’s team and was impressive at home against Lethbridge in D Grade.
Kim Pepyat made 30 retired off 27 deliveries in the final total of 2/122. Emma Blanch grabbed two wickets as the Saints restricted Lethbridge to 8/76.
Katrina Lumb (31 not out), Renee Matthews (26 not out) and Debra Maud (22) set up a competitive total of 1/130 for Ocean Grove against South Barwon.
South Barwon replied with 4/92, but Jacqueline Johnsto’s two wickets ensured the Grubbers tasted victory.
Queenscliff defeated Geelong West. Carly Headlam made 30 retired from 31 balls and Susan Monahan took just 33 deliveries for her 30 retired in the final score of 3/145.
The Coutas were on target early in the field with Geelong West making 2/61 from 20 overs.
Jan Juc also fielded a women’s team for the first time and put up a very competitive performance against Bannockburn.
The Sharks batted first and made 5/104 with Georgia Fogarty (25), Cara Powers (23 retired) and Danielle Johnson (20 retired) enjoying time at the crease.
Bannockburn replied with 2/107, but the Sharks showed enough to suggest they will have a good season.
Wallington was another BPCA club to field its first ever women’s team and have two entered in the D Grade competition.
Wallington 1 lost to Armstrong Creek and results from Wallington 2’s game were unavailable.
