LAST weekend saw the 2021/22 Victorian Premier Cricket Women’s 2nds and 3rds seasons come to their conclusions, with Grand Finals playing out in both grades. It was definitely the day to be a Dee, with Melbourne claiming the title in both grades.

2nd XI
Melbourne vs Box Hill

Box Hill chose to bat first in the 2nd XI decider, and that was a decision that did not pay off.

After finding themselves at 3/21, the Mustangs never really recovered. 4/35 became 5/39, then 6/39 as the wickets kept tumbling at a regular pace.

In the end, the Mustangs were bowled out for 113 with three balls left in their innings.

Only three of Box Hill’s batters made double figure scores, as Lani Dejong top scored with 28.

Meanwhile for the Dees, Lucy Page was the chief destroyer with the ball, taking 4/12 off eight overs, which included three maidens.

In reply, despite losing three wickets, the target was no real challenge for Melbourne. The victors reached the target in only 23 and a half overs. Mia Perrin top scored for the Dees with 27, helping deliver premiership glory.

3rd XI
Geelong vs Melbourne

Geelong almost pulled off the ultimate debut season in the Premier 3rds competition, but alas it was not meant to be.

Melbourne won the toss and batted first, and after a pretty solid start the Dees wobbled to find themselves going from 1/40 to 3/46.

They then steadied, and although ultimately only three batters made double-figure scores, the Dees were still able to post a pretty competitive total of 6/142 off their allotted overs.

Kamya Mishra was Melbourne’s top scorer with 32, while all of Geelong’s wicket takers were individuals.

The match had been reduced to 39 overs due to rain delays and Geelong’s target was revised to 144.

The Cats’ chase got off to the worse start possible, when they lost their first wicket without putting a run on the board.

They continued to lose wickets cheaply, and it became more and more likely that the target was going to be out of reach. In the end, the Cats were bowled out for 120 with just over six overs left.

Sophie Walsh was Geelong’s top scorer with 28.

Meanwhile for the Dees, Parry Jenkins and Yolanne Carvalho both took 3/19 off their eight and 6.4 overs respectively, and both bowled a maiden.

Sahana Tarini took 2/6 off her eight overs, but bowled an impressive five maidens.