By Tara Murray
Plenty Valley needs to find consistency with the ball to get its Women’s Victorian Premier Cricket T20 season back on track.
The Bats have shown some early signs of what they are capable of, but have struggled to put it together consistently.
On Sunday, they lost to Melbourne in both matches of their double header.
Bats coach Adam Drinkwell said they were yet to hit their straps.
“We were inconsistent the first two weekends with the ball and then had a really poor Sunday.
“The bowling group needs to gel better. It’s a different attack and we need to get that consistency. That’s the challenge for the coaching staff.”
Drinkwell said Melbourne was in control for most of both matches.
The Bats weren’t helped with their top batter Sophie Reid out with a shoulder injury.
In game one, Melbourne made 2-131 before restricting the Bats to 7-83.
“The first game we missed opportunities in the field towards the end of the innings,” Drinkwell said.
“We never fired with the bat after a slow start.”
Both wickets were runouts, as no bowler took a wicket. Sophie Day top scored with 20.
In game two, Melbourne made 2-157, with the Bats bowled out for 82.
“We got a wicket with just about the first ball,” Drinkwell said. “After that, they were in total control of the game.”
Meagan Ciavarella top scored with 36 for the Bats, with just two players reaching double figures.
The two losses leaves Plenty Valley sitting 2-4 after the first three double headers.
This weekend they face Box Hill Hawthorn in another double header.
Drinkwell said it was good they didn’t have too long before they had a chance to bounce back.
He said that there was still plenty to happen in the T20 competition.
“We still have eight games left, there’s plenty of time.”
