South Australia’s Women’s Second XI opened their season with a win and a loss against Victoria in their double header at Karen Rolton Oval.
The two fixtures featured a blended squad of state-contracted players, SACA Academy and Under-19s players, with Jemma Barsby and Emma de Broughe sharing the captaincy duties across the two matches.
Victoria claimed the opening fixture on Tuesday, chasing down South Australia’s 196 total in the 38th over to win by five wickets.
Maggie Clark top scored for South Australia, with an unbeaten 39 from 52 balls, she was joined by Ava Gaerth for a 30-run partnership for the final wicket to help the home side post a competitive total.
Despite the result, South Australia bounced back, securing an 83-run victory in Thursday’s second fixture.
Batting first, South Australia posted a 270 run total, led by Indira Panelli who top scored with 65 runs. Ellie Johnston was another standout performer, scoring 53 from 52 balls.
Panelli is also one of 10 Australian Under-19 players currently in India for an invitational camp, which includes a series of training sessions and opportunities to play T20 matches.
Victoria were dismissed for 187 runs in the 42nd over.
The home side had a strong start in the field, setting the tone with two early run-outs.
Clark was again a key contributor, finishing with three wickets from her 10 overs, giving away just 33 runs.
Barsby and Isabella Malgioglio also claimed two wickets apiece in a dominant team performance.
The mixed results gives South Australia something to build on as they continue the season with a 50-over tri-series featuring South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT in November, with South Australia hosting the series at Karen Rolton Oval.