Geelong continue charge with convincing home victory

GEELONG’S Premier Women have continued their winning ways with a five-wicket home victory over Plenty Valley last weekend, maintaining their spot atop the ladder.

The victory was the Cats’ third straight and eighth for the season, putting them eight points clear of the second-placed Prahran with just one home and away match to play.

In sunny conditions, Plenty Valley elected to bat first on enemy territory, and a hot start by Geelong forced their opponent to sit at just 4/10 after seven overs.

The Bats were unable to gather any momentum in their innings, with the Cats managing to strike at perfect moments to see them all out for just 135.

Skipper Stephanie Townsend continued her impressive campaign, taking four wickets.

Geelong then began their run chase and Plenty Valley struck early, taking the wicket of in-form opener Mia Perrin for just one run.

However, a partnership between Annie Taylor and Meika King late in the innings propelled the Cats to hit the target in the 38th over, with five wickets in hand.

Opener Jess Field top-scored with 27 runs, whilst Taylor finished unbeaten on 24.

The Cats now face eighth-placed Box Hill in their final clash of the season, with finals confirmed and the first seed all but sewn up.

Geelong’s Seconds also beat Plenty Valley and sit fourth by two games, whilst the Thirds locked in a finals berth with a win thanks to an unbeaten 111 from Aisha Hendriks.