Victoria emerge victors again

Fresh off an opening round boil over against New South Wales, Victoria continued its impressive form after winning the toss and electing to bat, posting 8-187 from its 40 overs.

Opener Annabel Martin began positively with 26 (28) as she combined with day one hero, Melina Ayres, after the early loss of Zoe Griffiths (5).

The pair dealt in boundaries as they pushed the run rate to five per over against the new ball before the South Australians made the breakthrough.

Despite Martin’s departure, the top-order responded as Ayres (28), Georgia Wareham (28), Amy Yates (24), Sophie Van De Heuvel (28) and Jessica Karamoshou (25) pushed the total towards 200.

Victorian coach John Hayes attributed his team’s winning streak to their ability to make the most out of every contest. 

“In every innings there is 240 contests when you bat and 240 contests when you bowl and to win you have to be in the best position to win those contests,” Hayes said.

“All the girls are contributing and that’s why we’re winning.”

With South Australia set 188 for victory, Victoria began in the best possible fashion as Hayleigh Brennan (2-20) struck with the opening ball of the innings.

Holly Whitford (3-5) followed up from the opposite end with a wicket of her own, and while Hannah Armstrong (24) dug in for the South Australians, Victoria was able to roll through their batting order as Madeleine Wright (1-22), Wareham (1-15), Van De Heuvel (1-9), Karamoshou (1-9) and Bella Gietzmann (1-8) all claimed scalps.

South Australia was eventually dismissed for 88.

Despite their back-to-back wins, Hayes is not anticipating an easy ride to the Final, encouraging the squad to stay focused.

“We’ve played two games and won two games and that’s great but we have another two games tomorrow and we could easily walk away with two losses if we take our eyes off the ball,” Hayes said.

The Under-15 National Championships continue today with two T20 matches against Western Australia and Tasmania.

To see a full scorecard, click here.