EMP crowned T20 champs

In hot and sunny conditions, Box Hill captain Meg Lanning won the toss and decided the Mustangs would make first use of the Stewart Oval wicket.

Lanning opened the batting and was the mainstay of the Box Hill innings with a well compiled 53 from 41 balls before EMP’s Stephanie Townsend captured the key wicket as Lanning was given out LBW.

Cassie Brock provided Lanning excellent support with 37 as Box Hill finished on 5-118 from their 20 overs.

EMP opening bowlers Emma Kearney and Briana Binch bowled economically to keep the run rate down with wickets shared between Townsend (2-39), Molly Strano (1-23) & Kearney (1-18).

In reply, Box Hill’s Danielle Montague struck early dismissing Nat Schilov for two to put the early pressure on EMP.

From there EMP set about re-building their innings and on the back of two solid partnerships, 56 between opener Strano and Binch and 32 from Strano and Townsend, gave EMP the upper hand.

With the runs required and balls remaining equation getting tight, the match was set for an exciting finish.

Box Hill’s Meg Lanning completed a fine run out of the dangerous Townsend who was well set on 26 from 22 balls to put the pressure on the two new EMP batters.

However, the experienced pair of Emily McIntyre and Jane Neil kept their cool to guide EMP to victory with one over to spare.

Strano was awarded Player of the Final for her fine all-round performance, including 44 runs from 46 balls and 1-23 from her four overs.

To see a full scorecard, click here.