By Tara Murray
After an at times frustrating T20 campaign, the Bats have found some form in the first part of the one-day competition.
Bats coach Adam Drinkwell said they always thought they were better suited to the one-day competition.
“The calibre of players we have we thought we were a better one-day side,” he said.
“We have always looked forward to the one day competietion and now we’ve won three in a row, the girls playing with some confidence.
“We had some good performances in the T20, but weren’t able to finish games off.
“We’re putting together some good form in the one-day competition. They are enjoying their cricket and we’ve got 11 contributors.”
The Bats made it three wins in a row with a good performance against Melbourne on Sunday.
Drinkwell said there was a little unknown going into the game, with the side playing at their home ground, Yarrambat for the first time this season.
They put up a more than competitive 9-187 from their overs.
Sophie Reid at the top of the order continued her good form, making 83.
Drinkwell said Reid had been in brillant form this season and should be in the mind of selectors for higher honours.
“Sophie is up to nearly 600 runs in all competitions this season, coming back off a bad injury,” he said.
“She is the stand out keeper-batter in the competition at the moment. They [selectors] should be looking at her in future selections.
“She’s had some good games leading the team at the top of the order.”
The Bats bowlers backed up the performance with a strong displinced bowling performance.
They bowled Melbourne out for 99.
“When we get 10 wickets, we generally win every game,” Drinkwell said.
“We created plenty of chances and were terrific in the field with people contributing throughout the line up.
“We don’t rely on one person.”
Simran Gandhi, who has made her first XI debut this season, bowled well, taking 4-14. Drinkwell said Beth Harvey also had a strong bowling performance.
The Bats sit fourth on the ladder.
Drinkwell said they were in a good position and wanted to continue that form throughout the rest of the season.
“We played finals last year and we wanted to keep improving and get better.
“We sneak along and the girls are determined.
“The girls are enjoying cricket and are confident and hopefully we can keep it going.”
The Bats men’s team suffered a disappointing loss in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-south competition.
Their opponent, Oakleigh made 8-157 from its overs. Michael Rogneda took 4-48 for the Bats.
It was a disappointing batting performance by the Bats, bowled out for 129.
Skipper Ryan Pearson top scored with 45.
The loss was the fourth straight for Plenty Valley and leaves them languishing in 11th. Despite that they are just one game outside the top six.
