WE have come to the end of yet another Victorian Women’s Premier Cricket season, full of highs and lows. Now that the season has finished, let us take a look back at how the eight clubs went across the whole season, and how things went since their mid-season report cards.

In their mid season report card, Essendon Maribyrnong Park’s season had been described as inconsistent. With the season now finished, that inconsistent start came ultimately back to bite the Bombers in the end.

They went on a five-match winning streak in the back end of the season, including becoming the first side to beat Melbourne all season. However, their season ultimately came down to their last match against Box Hill, where a win was the only way for them to secure a place in the finals. Unfortunately for the Bombers, they were unable to get over the line and so missed out on finals.

So who performed well?

Firstly taking a look at the batting figures, and it is Alyssa Humphries who struck the most runs for the Bombers this season. She made 236 runs across her 10 matches this season at an average of 26.22. She made 50 once, which eventuated into her high score for the season of 83.

Second on the tally is skipper Makinley Blows. The Victorian star made 218 runs at an average of 24.22 across her 10 games. She made one 50, which translated to her high score of 70 not out.

Rounding out the top five of the batting tally is Siena Ferrera, Katia Jomini and Samantha Bates.

Moving across to the bowling figures now, and it is WNCL stars who dominate the top rungs of the tally, but the Bombers did not rely solely on their WNCL talent. It was Victorian-listed star Bates who finished on top for the Bombers. Despite missing a few games due to Victorian commitments, she still took 20 wickets for the Bombers at an economy rate of 1.78.

Jomini and Milly Illingworth both took 16 wickets during the season, at an economy rate of 3.41 and 4.91 respectively. Hannah Rooke and Blows both took 11 wickets, while Chloe Rafferty took 10.  

Where to from here?

Well, as much as it was a frustrating season for the Bombers, there were some positives to take out of it. They can match it with the best, but they need to bridge the gap between their Victorian and WNCL listed players and their non WNCL players, then maybe finals will be on the cards for them next season.