Victoria made it three wins from three matches on Monday, while Queensland notched an impressive win over Tasmania
Lanning ton keeps perfect record intact
VicSpirit have emerged from the opening weekend of the Women’s National Cricket League in a strong position after winning all three of their matches in Queensland over the weekend.
A brilliant century from skipper Meg Lanning propelled the Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit to a six-wicket win over the ACT Meteors on Monday, capping off an unblemished weekend.
Having elected to bat first the Allan Border Field, the ACT got off to a sluggish start but steadied to post 6-218 off their 50 overs.
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Victoria made a shaky start in reply losing opener Hayley Jensen for a duck, before England import Danielle Wyatt and Lanning combined for a crucial 136-run partnership.
Their third-wicket stand laid the groundwork and while Wyatt departed for an impressive 84 off 73, Lanning reached triple figures when she hit the winning runs, to finished unbeaten on 100.
“It’s nice to get off to a good start. Three from three, can’t really ask for much more than that,” Lanning said after the match.
“We’ve had lots of different players step up and contribute, and it’s important that I can put some big scores on the board too.”
New coach David Hemp said he was also pleased with the team’s consistent effort, particularly from Lanning, who scored 89 not out, 18 and 100 not out in three innings.
“There’s lots of work to do still, but to win games you need senior players to stand up and Meg is one who has done that so far. She’s a quality player,” Hemp said.
In Monday’s other match, Queensland recorded their second win of the season in style, cruising to a 10-wicket win over Cripps Tasmania Roar.
The was the Konica Minolta Fire’s international representatives who did the damage, with bowlers Jess Jonassen (3-19), Holly Ferling (2-30) and Grace Harris (2-12) tearing through the Tasmania batters to dismiss them for 101.
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Harris and fellow Southern Stars’ squad member Beth Mooney then chased down the total with ease, reaching 0-102 in 15.4 overs.
The WNCL now takes a three-week break until the next round, which will see five matches played over two days at Melbourne’s Junction Oval and Camberwell Sports Ground.