Plenty Valley has again fallen short in Women’s Victoria Premier Cricket.
Looking for their first win of the season, the Bats had a period of dominance with both the bat and ball, but couldn’t put it together for the whole match.
It was a tough start for the Bats, who were in trouble at 3-39.
With skipper Meagan Ciavarella and VicSpirit squad member Rhiann O’Donnell at the crease, the Bats were able to work back into the game.
The two put on 63 for the fourth wicket partnership to take the total past 100.
Things slowed when O’Donnell went for 37. When they lost Julia Carruthers and Ciavarella, the Bats were 6-126.
A couple of small partnerships were formed by the middle and lower order, but they couldn’t bat out their overs, and were bowled out for 174 with 16 balls remaining.
Ciavarella top-scored with 41. O’Donnell was the only other player to pass 15.
Not batting out the overs proved costly for the Bats, as Dandenong chased the runs down with three overs to spare.
The Bats started well and had Dandenong at 3-38, before the middle order steadied.
A partnership of 49 and then one of 50 had Dandenong in control at 4-137. Two quick wickets gave the Bats some hope, but Dandenong got the job done finishing 6-175.
Tayla Vlaeminck was the only player to take multiple wickets with two.
Overall, Bats coach Adam Drinkwell said it was a disappointing performance.
“We didn’t have enough runs on the board and we didn’t bat out our overs,” he said.
“We couldn’t keep the pressure on with the ball with both ends and we were disappointed we dropped four really easy catches.”
Drinkwell said there were periods they looked good with both the bat and ball, but hadn’t been able to keep the consistency.
“We didn’t finish off with the bat and didn’t start well, but the partnership in the middle was really good.
“Meagan and Rhiann looked good before we lost them both and had to rebuild. With the ball we were pretty aggressive early on with Tayla and Jacinta Goodger-Chandler which was one of our strengths.
“When the opportunities came we didn’t take them.
“We need to learn how to manage the big moments,” he said.
“We haven’t been able to finish teams off, we’ve had chances to win three of our five matches.”
The Bats will get a bonus next weekend, with import Providence Cowdrill due to arrive.
