THE seemingly now-traditional washout in round one has struck again, with play across the Diamond Valley Cricket Association called off on Saturday morning.
However, the North Metro Cricket Association’s women’s competitions successful got underway, with Laurimar and South Morang in action.
In division 2, Laurimar’s first XI got its season off on the right note, taking a seven-wicket victory over Camrea.
Camrea batted first, but the Power’s excellent bowling was a standout. Abbey Buckley contributed heavily from her two overs, claiming 3/3, whiile Kristen Keena took 2/9 off two overs.
Phoebe McKenna also had a standout afternoon. While wicketless, she conceded just four runs from four overs of bowling, as Camrea made 7/66.
Opening the batting, Victoria Mitchell (11) and Kyra Rule (14) helped Laurimar get off to a good start, before Rebecca Hayes (16 not out) ensured the Power would start its campaign with a win, chasing down the target with six overs to spare, finishing on 3/68.
South Morang was unsuccessful, losing to Fairfield by six wickets.
The Lions batted first, but couldn’t find consistency until Sarah Watson and Adelle Missen shored up the middle order.
Watson finished unbeaten on 27, and Missen unbeaten on 28, as the pair helped the Lions score 4/86.
However, Fairfield proved too good, and chased down the target with nine balls to spare, scoring 4/88.
Natasha Kiper bowled well, claiming 1/7 off her four overs, while two of Fairfield’s four wickets were runouts off the arm of Watson.
In division 4, Laurimar was no match for Mill Park.
Kelli Cook top-scored for the Power with 10 runs, while Lily Meyer battled hard for eight, and Ashlyn Hemsworth scored 7, but the Power could only make 66 runs, losing seven wickets along the way.
Mill Park chased down the target easily, scoring 2/67 off 11 overs.
Ally Eaton took both of Laurimar’s wickets, finishing with figures of 2/5 off three overs.
Diamond Valley cricketers will be watching the skies closely this weekend, with more rain forecast on Saturday.
In Money Shield, Mernda will look to open its season with an intriguing clash against relegated Riverside at Waterview Reserve.
In Dyson Shield, South Morang will host Dennis at Mill Park Lakes Reserve, while Laurimar will make the trip to Lower Eltham to open its season.
Whittlesea will also open its season on Saturday as it hosts South Morang in F grade at AF Walker Reserve.
