A new-look Echuca, missing several stars to Premier cricket duties, slumped to an eight-wicket defeat to Shepparton-Youth Club United out at Princess Park, with Shepparton’s bowling brigade holding all the answers.
Batting first, Echuca struggled to contend with the bowling onslaught headlined by Dinesha Patabandige’s 3-8, with Maisy Byrne (6) and Isla Laffy (5) providing desperate resistance.
United’s Thushali Premarathna was as economical as you can get on a cricket field, closing out the innings with two wickets and no runs conceded in her three-ball innings, while Christina Roberts also erred on the economical side with 2-3 off four overs to bundle out the reigning champion for 31.
Chloe Moyle and Grace Riddell managed to claim a wicket apiece in reply, but Shepparton was safely guided to victory by Patabandige, who added an unbeaten 15 runs.
Meanwhile, Beechworth Wanderers stamped their authority on the competition following their 10-wicket victory over Leitchville-Gunbower, an early warning shot in anticipation of this Sunday’s grand final rematch.
Leitchville-Gunbower could only find runs through Zazney Ellwood (7) and Ellah Gelletley (2) off the bat, partly due to a show-stealing Abby McConchie hat-trick, helping Wanderers dismiss the side for 22.
Alex Randell (11 not-out) and Breanna Wojtowyez (10 not-out) batted through to chase down the target in under seven overs.
Wanderers and Echuca will renew their rivalry this Sunday at Victoria Park.
Kyabram’s B-grade women flipped the script in their grand final rematch against Echuca with a 13-run win over the reigning premier.
Moama fell to a nine-wicket defeat in its maiden foray into women’s cricket against Kyabram Fire Brigade, while BLU succumbed by four runs in a tight encounter against Nathalia.