Cats return to winning ways against Melbourne

GEELONG’S Premier Women’s Firsts have bounced back from their loss to Carlton in dominant fashion, beating Melbourne thanks to a well-spread contribution with both bat and ball.

The Cats remain atop the ladder by six points after the win that saw them successfully defend their total of 241 made in the first innings.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, 64 runs from Noura Abdul Qader set the tone early for Geelong, with Annie Taylor and Meika King adding a combined 105 runs late in the innings to see them finish at an impressive 6/241.

Strong bowling limited Melbourne from finding a groove with the bat, leading them to fall well short of the target score despite having five wickets in hand.

Jess Field took two wickets for the Cats, with Annabelle Glossop and Sarah Burton adding one each.

With three rounds remaining, Geelong appear to be one of the favourites to take out the one-day competition.

This weekend, they will travel to take on fourth-placed Ringwood, before facing eighth-placed Box Hill and ninth-placed Plenty Valley to round out the season.

Geelong’s Seconds went down to Carlton last weekend, putting them in fifth spot by just two points. They also take on Ringwood this Sunday, February 8.

The Thirds also lost to the Blues, but sit in third with a 9-5 record. A home clash with fourth-placed Ringwood also awaits.