It was smiles all round for Plenty Valley on Saturday, as the Bats got their first win of the Women’s Premier Cricket season.
After an up and down start to the season, the Bats put together their most complete performance of the year to seal the win against Coburg.
Bats coach Adam Drinkwell said he was pleased for the girls.
“Definitely a bit happier,” he said.
“I’m more happier for the girls to get reward for all their hard work. We went into the game expecting to win and we played well for the majority of the game.”
Moving to the T20 competition part of the season, the Bats found themselves in unusual territory – they entered the match as favourites.
The Bats’ opponent Coburg, was one of two sides from the second grade one-day competition to be promoted for the T20 competition.
Sophie Reid led the way for the Bats, making 74 at the top of the order. Her innings included 12 fours.
Drinkwell said it was a strong batting performance from Reid, who made the most of her opportunities.
The Bats finished 4-157 from 20 overs.
Providence Cowdrill, in her first top grade match for the Bats, made a quickfire 31 at the end of the innings.
Drinkwell said Cowdrill, who has recently come out from England, had settled in well.
“She batted well and also bowled well, taking two wickets and was involved in a run-out. I think the girls enjoyed having someone in the side with a little bit more professionalism.”
Despite not bowling to their potential, the Bats restricted Coburg to 5-138. Coburg was 2-73 at one stage.
Kiara Jones was the pick of the bowlers taking 1-10 off her four overs.
Overall, Drinkwell was happy with the performance.
“We didn’t bowl as well as we could have,” he said. “We took catches when the time came and overall it’s pretty satisfying. There’s still room for improvement.”
Former Australian baseballers, Sam Hamilton and Amy McGann, both made their first XI debuts.
Drinkwell said both had been playing well in the second side and their games suited the T20 style.
The Bats’ win came without VicSpirit squad members Rhiann O’Donnell and Tayla Vlaeminck, who were both with the Victorian team. Vlaeminck played in the Spirit’s win against Tasmania.
Meanwhile, the Bats men’s side will need to bat well if it’s to secure the win against Taylors Lakes in Victorian Sub-district Cricket Association’s north-west.
The Lions made 9-243 from their 80 overs. Daniel Heatley was the best of the bowlers for the Bats, taking three wickets.
