Firming as favourites

Unbeaten through the opening four rounds of the competition, the hosts clinched an eight-wicket win against the ACT in the morning session yesterday before defeating Tasmania by four wickets in the afternoon.

Star all-rounder Sophie Molineux was again pivotal in the opening Twenty20 as she claimed 5-9 from her four overs to limit the ACT to just 86.

Molineux received strong support from Western Spirit quick Nicola Hancock, who snared 1-12.

In reply, Victoria overhauled the target with eight balls to spare as Mallee Murray’s Makinley Blows (27) and Inner East’s Bec Carter (25) put on a 58-run opening stand.

The pair fell almost simultaneously as Molineux (15*) and Hancock (11*) steered the side to victory.

In the afternoon session, Victoria was again ruthless with the ball as Tasmania was restricted to 9-45.

Hancock (3-5), Molineux (2-2), Chelsea Moscript (1-4) and Alana King (1-2) secured wickets, while Rhiann O’Donnell (0-9), Sarah Chancellor-Goddard (0-9), Natalie Plane (0-7) and Gemma Gibbins (0-6) were all frugal with the ball.

The run chase was far from simple, however, as Victoria lost 5-19 hunting a double bonus point before a slog sweep from Chancellor-Goddard secured the result off the final ball.

To see full results from the Under-18 National Championships, click here.