AFTER what was a weekend full of interesting results in the Victorian Premier Cricket Women’s 1sts competition, things are starting to become clearer with regards to the ladder. While some sides all but secured their place in the finals, others made things harder for themselves across the latest round of action.

Dandenong vs. Carlton

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Dandenong had a bit of a disaster, falling to 3/19 on the way to being bowled out for 112 against Carlton.

The top scorer was not any of the usual suspects, it was actually Sophie Strickland who made a 44. For Carlton, it was Madison Albers who was the star with the ball, taking 3/32 off her 9.4 overs. Cailin Green also had a great innings with the ball, taking 2/24 off five overs, with one maiden.

In reply, Carlton certainly took their time but still reached the target with 18 overs to spare. The innings was built off the back of a great 62-run opening stance between Green and Sophie Reid. Green top scored for the entire innings with 42, whole Reid finished on 32. The top wicket taker for the Panthers was Cassie Stephens with two.

This result all but secures Carlton’s place in the finals, but Dandenong shouldn’t quite hit panic stations just yet. They’re still sitting in a good position but will need to keep winning to make sure their place in the finals is secured.

Prahran vs. Melbourne

Melbourne batted first, and after some stellar bowling from the True Blues they were reduced to one of their lowest scores of the season. They were bowled out for 134, with Hasrat Gill, who is normally more famed for her bowling, top scoring with 33.

Meanwhile for Prahran, Rhys McKenna was an absolute star with the ball. She took 5/26 off 8.1 overs, which included one maiden.

Unfortunately for Prahran, all that good bowling was not backed up with the bat, and they were bowled out for 93. They had a reasonable start, but once they lost their first week things started to fall apart.

Not only did McKenna top the bowling tally, she also top scored for Prahran with 20. Dia Redhu took two wickets as well, but bowled a whopping four maidens. For the Dees, both Ella Hayward and Erika Quinn took three wickets, and bowled three maidens each.

In terms of ladder ramifications, it does not do much for the Dees. This result just further cements their place at the top of the table though.

For Prahran however, it has bigger ramifications. Although they are technically still in the running for finals, they simply cannot afford to lose anymore games. Lose one more and they’re out of contention, it is as simple as that.

Essendon Maribyrnong Park vs. Ringwood

Ringwood batted first, and made a very competitive 8/222 off their 50 overs. The inning was built off the back of a great 94-run opening stand between the Bhavisha Devchand and Olivia Henry, and it was those two who top scored from the Rams. Devchand made 54 while Henry made 42. Emma Lynch also batted well, making 40.

For the Bombers, Chloe Rafferty was the out and out star with the ball. She took 4/65 off her 10 overs. In reply, things went down to the wire but the Bombers were able to get over the line with an over and a half to spare.

Alyssa Humphries was a star with the bat for the Bombers, and without her things would have been very different. She made 83 in the win. Rafferty also had a good innings with the bat, making 46.

For the Rams, it was Una Raymond-Hoey who topped the bowling tally. Raymond-Hoey is someone who normally doesn’t bowl (only having bowled 1/3 of an over this season before this match), but took 2/42 against the Bombers.

In terms of finals ramifications, this result certainly makes things a lot harder for the Rams, but on the other hand things are much easier for the Bombers.

The Bombers further entrenched themselves in the top four, while the hill that the Rams need to climb to make finals got that little bit bigger.

Box Hill vs. Plenty Valley

Plenty Valley batted first, and although they made one of their highest scores of the season, they were still bowled out for 107 with over 11 overs to go.

Jessie Hulett was the Bats’ top scorer with 44. For Box Hill, Holly Spencer had an excellent innings with the ball, taking 3/10 off her five overs.  

In reply, a solid 74 run opening stance between Spencer and Anna Lanning meant that the target was never going to be much of a challenge. Lanning top scored with 48. Aanliya Cheeran was the only wicket taker for Plenty Valley.

Although this result does not affect Plenty Valley from a ladder perspective, it certainly does affect things for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs have gone to within two wins of the top four, but must keep winning matches with at least a few bonus points in order to make finals.