Plenty Valley continues to show good signs in Women’s Victorian Premier Cricket, but remains winless.
It was always going to be a tough season for the young Bats side, but they have shown they won’t be easybeats.
Coach Adam Drinkwell said they had been made to pay for not being able to play consistently across the whole game.
“We should have beaten Prahran and Melbourne but we couldn’t close the games out,” he said.
“It’s about developing habits so we can close out games and finish off teams.
“For most of these girls, it’s the first time playing together. It’s going to take time to get to know each other and how they bat and bowl in partnerships with each other.
“We need to see if we can get everyone to click for the full overs. We’re still searching for consistency.”
On Sunday, the Bats lost to Box Hill.
The Bats were slow off the mark and were bowled out for 123, despite a late fightback from the middle and lower order.
Julia Carruthers top-scored with 38, while Jacinta Goodger Chandler made 19.
Drinkwell said it was the first time this season that the team’s batting line-up had failed to fire.
“We got off to a bad start,” he said.
“The middle and lower order did well, but we were still 40 to 50 runs short of setting a target that would have kept us in the game for longer.”
Box Hill had a better start. Despite Tayla Vlaeminck taking an early wicket for the Bats, Box Hill was soon cruising at 2-74. A few late wickets wasn’t enough for Bats to stem the tide and Box Hill made the runs with ease with five wickets in hand.
Vlaeminck and Scarlett Cummane were the pick of the bowlers.
Drinkwell said Vlaeminck had benefited from the opportunity to play for state team VicSpirit in the Women’s National Cricket League.
“She played really well and was terrific in the field,” he said. “Tayla heads away this weekend with VicSpirit and then will play for the Governor General’s XI against England, which is another chance to impress.
“Rhiann O’Donnell [the Bats other VicSpirit player] pulled out before the game with an injury she suffered last week.
“We’re yet to have our full team.”
The Bats will add import Providence Cowdrill in the coming weeks. The Englishwoman joins the Bats from Hampshire.
Drinkwell said Cowdrill would fit in well with the Bats playing group.
“She’s an 18-year-old leg spinner and will be here in two week’s time. She’ll be here for the T2Os and back-end of the season.
“It’s good to have an extra slow bowler option for the rest of the year. She’ll fit in with the 16-20 year old bracket.
“[I’ve] Heard some really good reports about her.”
The Bats second side had a good win against Box Hill, bowling them out for 127 chasing 173.
