A TRIPLET of unbeaten fifties for Laurimar’s top order set the Power up for a massive 97-run win in division 2 of the the North Metro Cricket Association’s women’s competition on Sunday.
Backing up a strong outing in the first round of the season, Laurimar hosted the North Eltham Wanderers and chose to bat first in good conditions.
Opening pair Victoria Mitchell and Tara Chetcuti picked the gaps and pushed the field back early on, capitalising on anything short.
Both reached 50 after drinks which brought Phoebe McKenna and star recruit Rebecca Hayes to the crease and they continued on the good work.
McKenna put on runs thick and fast to race to a half century of her own, and after 30 overs the Power’s score read 0/242.
In response, North Eltham was never really in it.
Danielle Maguire made sure of that, ending with miserly figures of 2/6 from six overs.
In other action, South Morang fell 23 runs short against Pascoe Vale Central in an away fixture at Oak Park.
Hoping to bounce back from a loss to Fairfield last week, the Lions bowled well early and took wickets consistently which kept the home side in check.
A target of 154 looked well within reach while Emma Leatham was at the crease.
However a forced retirement when she reached her half century halted the team’s momentum and when she returned at the end of the innings, there weren’t enough balls left.
Leatham was also the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while captain Natasha Kiper’s 1/17 off six overs and 16 runs with the bat were handy in a losing effort.
In division 4, Laurimar doubled up on the day’s winnings, claiming a 33-run victory over Heidelberg in a 20-over match.
The team compiled 4/117 thanks to patient top order runs, but the bowlers did a lot of the heavy work in the end.
Figures of 3/11 off four overs for Sophia Hrysoulakis and 2/4 off four for Ann O’Gorman stopped any attempts at a successful run chase for Heidelberg.
This Sunday, Laurimar’s division 2 team head to W Ruthven VC Reserve in Preston to face the Northern Socials, while South Morang will host Heidelberg.
In division 4, Laurimar and Holy Trinity go head to head at Hayes Park.
