True Blues claim first title since amalgamation

Prahran Captain Emma Inglis won the toss and elected to field, despite Box Hill boasting a strong batting unit, which included the Lanning sisters. Inglis’ decision to bowl first was soon proved a wise choice, as left-arm quick Tara Norris dismissed Meg Lanning for just two runs with her second delivery. Georgia Kerr took the high-pressure catch at gully to dismiss Lanning, and Box Hill found themselves 1-6 after two overs.

Anna Lanning countered by taking three fours off Bronwyn Daws’ second over. But when Norris added a second Lanning and Rebecca Carter to her wicket-tally, Box Hill suddenly faced a tricky predicament of 3-31 after six overs.

Box Hill struggled to regroup, as Cassie Brock (12) and Hayleigh Brennan (6) were both unable to reignite their side’s innings.

The Mustangs stumbled along, facing a volume of dot balls. Box Hill’s most fruitful partnership of 19 runs between Kirsty Williams (17*) and Amy Jennings (13*) wouldn’t come until the final two overs.

In the end, the Mustangs finished on 7-90 after 20 overs.

In response, Prahran briefly looked like they might follow the Box Hill script with opener Naomi Dattani falling for just four in the second over.

But Prahran swiftly gained control with a superb, game-breaking 70-run partnership between Norris (30), who was unexpectedly promoted to number three, and Inglis (48 off 32). The duo complimented each other well with a blend of boundaries from Inglis and singles from Norris.

The True Blues comfortably claimed the winning runs in the 15th over, losing just the three wickets.

Norris was named player of the match for her 3-22 and unbeaten 30-not-out.

Congratulations to Prahran on their first title since amalgamating with Brunswick Park in 2014.