YESTERDAY’s action was a double header from Melbourne’s Junction Oval, which saw a pair of wins that were critically important for different reasons.

Mooney masterclass helps Scorchers continue winning ways

The Perth Scorchers were the first winners of the double header, downing the Sydney Thunder by 42 runs. After the Scorchers posted 4/159 from their 20 overs, the Thunder could only manage 8/117.

Perth’s large score was down to one player – Beth Mooney. Her 101 not out really saved the Scorchers, who only had one other batter make a double figure score, and that was only 22. However, the Thunder got off to a bad start in their chase, falling from 1/17 to 3/17 in the space of 11 balls.

This bad start really hampered the Thunder, who even with a 68 run partnership between Claire Moore and Phoebe Litchfield never really looked like making the score. Litchfield top scored with 45, while Sammy-Jo Johnson’s 34 not out was the only other doubly figure score.

Meanwhile from a bowling perspective Amy Edgar was the best bowler from either side with three wickets to her name, while Sophie Devine, Chloe Ainsworth and Hannah Darlington all picked up two wickets each.

Stars pick up crucial win over crosstown rivals

The second match of the day was the first Melbourne Derby of the season, which saw the Stars hang on for an important four run win. After the Stars made 5/144, the Renegades fell agonisingly short, only making 6/140.

The Stars made an ok start, but after back to back solid partnerships, things were looking up for the Stars. There was a wobble at the back end of the innings, which hampered how big the score could actually be.

In the chase, the Renegades got off to a start that was about just as bad as it could have gotten, falling to 1/1 on the second ball of the innings. However Tammy Beaumont and Harmanpreet Kaur got things back on track with a 63 run second wicket partnership.

But just like their crosstown rivals, the Renegades also had a late innings stumble, and a double wicket over in the 18th over really slowed things down, and ultimately helped them fall just short of their second win of the season.

For the Stars Meg Lanning was again the star with the bat, making 67 not out, while Annabel Sutherland was the star with the ball with four wickets to her name. Meanwhile for the Renegades, Kaur topped the run tally with 37, while Sarah Coyte picked up two wickets.