Diamonds pip Sixers in a thriller

Murray Downs Diamonds 6-110 (I Boulton 29*, O Heard 2-14, L Schutlz 2-23) def Horsham Sixers 4-108

The Murray Downs Diamonds played host to the competition on Sunday and came away with their maiden victory against the valiant Horsham Sixers.

With conditions hot and humid, Diamonds stars Issy Boulton 29 not out and Alan Bookham 23 not out combined to take the early ascendancy for the hosts.

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However, the Sixers fought back with disciplined bowling and regular wickets, restricting the Diamonds to 110 from their twenty over allotment. Olivia Heard and Lyla Schultz both claimed two wickets.

In reply for the Sixers an even team batting performance was anchored by Jorja Clode's 19. This saw the up-and-coming Horsham team fall an agonisingly two runs short of the total.

The Diamonds bowlers held their nerve with economical bowling displays amongst all players. Alanna Bookham was the pick of the bowlers, showing her skills and taking 1-5 off her 3 overs.

Belles too strong for Hurricanes

TEAMHorsham Hurricanes 6-71 (A Holmes-Brown 2-2, A Weir 2-5) def by Wimmera Mallee Belles 4-126

The Wimmera Mallee Belles produced a strong all-round display against Horsham Hurricanes at North Park.

The Hurricanes batted first, with the consistent line and length from the bowlers making the batters struggle for momentum throughout their innings with 65 dot balls and no boundaries.

For the Hurricanes, Sophie Pietsch top scored with 13, whilst skipper Zara Nichols (8) and Maddie Carracher (10) recorded personal high scores.

Multiple wicket takers for the Belles; Aneika Holmes-Brown 2-2 and Abby Weir 2-5. Belle's wicketkeeper Bridie Reid also snared two stumpings as the Hurricanes were restricted to 6-51.

In reply the Belles started strong with the opening batters turning the strike over regularly, and all batters reaching double figures thanks to some great running between wickets. Reid top scored with 18 not out and was supported by fellow opener Lucinda Holmes-Browns, 16 not out.

A valiant effort by all Hurricanes bowlers, with Pietsch (1-16) and Nichols (1-20) returning the best figures. The Belles, who scored off more than two thirds of their total balls, finished with 126 runs to record a convincing win.

Strikers bowlers topple Roos

Wimmera Roos 10-103 (M Venn 4-11, A Martin 2-5, A Mitchell 2-7) def by Stawell Strikers 3-118

A strong bowling performance by the up-and-coming Stawell Strikers saw them claim victory of the reigning champion Wimmera Roos.

Batting first, the Strikers produced an even display with the bat in hand, totalling 118 - Ayva Mitchell top scoring with 14 not out. Importantly for the Strikers they only lost three wickets, with Roos medium pacers Abbey Williams (1-8) and Lilly Schorback (1-12) claiming a wicket.

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Up and coming leg spinner Maya Schorback bowled well taking 1-14 and bowling a maiden.

In reply the Roos fell fifteen runs short of the target, despite a hard hitting knocks by Paige Glover (20) and Williams (16).

Matilda Venn bowled magnificently to record figures of 4-11, as the Strikers took wickets regularly, Angela Martin 2-5 and Mitchell 2-7 claiming multiple wickets.

Ladder

Belles - 5 points

Strikers - 5 points

Roos - 3 points

Diamonds - 3 points

Sixers - 1 point

Hurricanes - 1 point

Round 9 Preview - 28th February

Venue: Dimboola

9am - Strikers v Sixers

12pm - Belles v Diamonds

12pm - Roos v Hurricanes

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