TASMANIA responded from its first loss of the WNCL season in the best way, downing Western Australia by 52 runs. Tasmania made 8/223 from its 50 overs, before bowling the tourists out for 171.

The hosts got off to a slow start, finding themselves 2/36 after eight and a half overs. However, things turned around in the third wicket partnership when Heather Graham and Elyse Villani combined for a 100 run partnership to get things back on track for the reigning champions.

A 66-run seventh wicket partnership then gave the innings a boost to help get the Tigers to reach the 223 final tally. Villani topped the runs tally for the Tigers with 59 that included nine fours, while Graham made 56 after smashing seven fours.

Meanwhile, Lilly Mills picked up three wickets for the visitors, while Amy Edgar and Zoe Britcliffe picked up two wickets each.

Western Australia made an okay start to its innings, but it was not until the third wicket that was 67 runs in size that the run chase really got going for the Warriors.

However, it all started to fall apart after that partnership was broken as the wickets continued to fall and partnerships were not very large. The largest partnership from wickets four to 10 was in the 20s.

Maddy Darke was the star and backbone of the Western Australian innings, smashing nine fours on her way to 73. In stark contrast, the next highest score was Lisa Griffith on 23.

Graham was the pick of the Tasmanian bowlers with three wickets, while Lauren Smith took two scalps and Hayley Silver-Holmes and Nicola Carey took one each.

This win sees Tasmania lock up a place in the WNCL Final yet again, and is one win away from confirming hosting status from said final.

Meanwhile, Western Australia is still in the hunt to make the final, but have to make sure it wins its final two matches of the season to remain in the hunt.