VicSpirit Pathway Championships take shape

A Nicola Hancock hundred was not enough to secure victory for South West against a star-studded Gippsland Pride outfit at MacPherson Park in Melton.

Hancock, a state under-18 representative, kept her magnificent carnival rolling by pummeling 128 of her side’s 9-173, but it wasn’t enough to overhaul Gippsland’s massive total of 3-220. 

Earlier, the Pride flexed their muscle with strong performances from Chelsea Moscript (50) and Georgia Fisher (61*) helping them to what would be an unassailable total.

In other matches, South East Metro demonstrated why it sits on top of the table and is one of the tournament favourites with a devastating chase against Northern Rivers.

Having been reduced to 3-18 early in proceedings, the Rivers were rescued by state under-18 representative Julia Crockett-Grills, who showed her class and determination to top-score through the middle overs with a resilient 32.

A total of 110, however, was never going to be enough, with South East reaching 3-200 from its 40 overs.

Charlotte Killeen and Alana King were both retired on 50, while Madeline Hince made a quick fire 32 late in the innings.

At Coburg, Central Highlands kept its finals aspirations alive with a comprehensive victory over North East Knights.

Restricting the Knights to 110, the Highlanders toughed out a difficult chase to finish at 2-124.

Sarah Tatchell capped off a miserly bowling performance of 0-10 off eight, with a magnificent 60 to lift the Highlands to second on the table.

Day one hero Jenna Bruton continued her good form by putting on 115 with Tatchell to finish unbeaten on 50.

The South East Sharks kept their final hopes alive with a solid run chase against North Metro.

Chasing 143 for victory, South East paced its innings perfectly to finish at 7-185.

During a solid all round team performance, Chole McMillian top-scored with 47, while Tenae Browne captured 4-22 with the ball.

In the day’s final game at Ringwood, East Metro proved too good for Western Waves, winning a tight match by just 12 runs.

With Oliva Aing (52) striking a half-century at the death, East Metro posted 170, and at 2-119 and Grace Linke (44) at the crease, Western Waves looked a real threat.

But regular wickets curtailed any hope of victory, with the Waves eventually being dismissed for 159.

Rebecca Carter was the star with the ball for East Metro, claiming 4-27 from her eight overs.

With day two complete, Central Highlands and South East Metro can advance to the state final at the MCG on February 24 with victories today, with Gippsland Pride and South East Sharks also in contention.

For score updates be sure to follow @CVPathway on Twitter or ‘like’ the CV Pathway Facebook page.

To view full results from the Under-18 VicSpirit Pathway Championships, click here.