'Gades claim crucial win in the west

The return of captain Meg Lanning wasn't enough to inspire a Perth victory in the Rebel WBBL on Saturday, with the Scorchers suffering a four-wicket defeat to the Melbourne Renegades at the WACA Ground.

Lanning, who had missed the Scorchers past five games due to a back injury, was dismissed for 11 off 16 in her return match after the Renegades won the toss and sent the home team in.

Heather Graham was the only Scorchers batter to make a major impact in a tough innings with the bat, scoring a 41-ball 42, with Amy Jones (23 off 28) Perth's next best as the hosts were restricted to 6-122, thanks to the economical bowling efforts of Lea Tahuhu (2-12), Sophie Molineux (1-21), Molly Strano (1-21) and Maitlan Brown (2-25).

A fast start from England import Danni Wyatt (27 off 22) put the Renegades well on track in their reply, before the efforts of Jess Duffin (35 off 31) and Amy Satterthwaite (26 off 25) put the result beyond doubt as the Melbourne team reached their target with 2.5 overs to spare.

Spinner Nicole Bolton was Perth's leading wicket taker, with 3-28, while Graham's 2-22, combined with her batting effort, saw her named player of the match.

The teams will meet again on Sunday from 2pm local time (5pm AEDT).