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.

Today we look at Melbourne, who were the champions in season 2021/22.

Things could not have gone much better for the Demons in 2021/22, that is the short version of the story.

After looking like they were going to go the entire season without suffering a loss, they almost pulled it off, but they did have a bit of a stumble in the last month of the season. They suffered consecutive losses to Essendon Maribyrnong Park and Box Hill, but they proved to be mere small bumps in the road in the end.

The Dees finished on top of the table, and after easily accounting for Box Hill in the semi final, they went on to beat Carlton in the final to take home the title.

Top performers

From a batting perspective, it was a couple of national level stars who led the way.

Amy Vine scored the most runs for the Demons this season. She scored 586 runs across the season at an average of a whopping 83.71. She was only dismissed roughly once every two matches, and her high score was 116 not out.

Next on the list is Ella Hayward, who made 345 runs across the season at an average of 34.5. Her best score was 89 not out. Rounding out the top five is Stephanie Townsend, Rhiann O’Donnell and Hayleigh Brennan.

From a bowling perspective, it was Melbourne’s younger stars who really led the way. Top of the tree was Hasrat Gill, who took 26 wickets across the season at an economy rate of 3.39. Her best figures in a single game were 3/15.

Next on the list is Hayward, who took one less wicket than Gill did. Her economy rate was much better then Gill’s though, at a mere 2.31, and her best figures were better too at 3/7. Rounding out the top five is Brennan, Anna O’Donnell and Erika Quinn.

Where to from here?

Well, you cannot go much better then what Melbourne did this season can you? The challenge for Melbourne next season will be going back to back.

As much as their 2021/22 season was so dominant, it is never easy to go back to back in any sport, so it will be a huge achievement if the Dees are able to do so next season.