Season review: Plenty Valley falls short of finals return in Premier Women’s one-day, T20

Plenty Valley continues to make strides at Premier Women’s level, falling just short of finals in both one-dayers and T20s with some young talent emerging.

Jasmine Nevins in action for Victoria.

The green shoots are growing at Plenty Valley.

The Bats fell just four points short of a return to Premier Women’s finals, continuing the club’s steady rise back up the ladder.

Three wins to open the one-day season was undone by five straight defeats before an impressive six-wicket win over finalist Box Hill in the final round.

It was a similar story in the T20 competition, finishing fifth, five points outside the top-four.

The club ranked fifth for both runs scored and wickets taken in the one-day competition.

Jasmine Nevins in action for Victoria.

First-year coach Dalis Thomas said the club struggled to rediscover its form after the Christmas break.

“We started strong, after a good pre-season, with some very good performances,” Thomas said.

“We were in a good position coming up to Christmas but we did fall away a little bit after the break, there were a few games we should have won and that’s probably what cost us finals.

“Our batting fell away, we have a very good bowling side that can bowl any team out, but our batting didn’t fire after Christmas at all so that was a major factor.”

Due to Victoria and Big Bash duties, star all-rounder Jasmine Nevins was limited to six one-day matches but still scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and four T20s, scoring 150 runs at 50.

Nipuni Hansika led the club in runs, knocking up 333 at an average of 37.0 to rank top-10 in the competition.

Fellow Sri Lanka international Umasha Thimeshani had an up-and-down season with 262 at 26.2 but led the club’s attack with 14 wickets at an average of 17.29.

Rebeka Vandot (12), captain Maryam Omar (11) and Madushika Meththananda (10) also performed strongly with the ball.

Young gun Pearl Kapoor showed her potential, filling in for Nevins when required, scoring 127 in eight matches, including a maiden half-century, while also competing at the Under-16 National Championships.

“Jas didn’t play the entire season with us but the few games she did play, she starred with the bat, sometimes she can be the difference and that’s what we want,” Thomas said.

“In saying that, there’s nothing better than Jas representing Victoria – that’s where we want her playing – as much as we love her with us.

“When Jas isn’t in the side Pearl stepped up to bat at No.4 and she’s only 15 years old.

“She’s taken an opportunity for sure, she made a half-century and a 40 too, so that’s a big step forward for her in her first season the First XI.

“Nipuni Hansika top-scored this year and I also want to mention Umasha Thimeshani, one of our overseas players.

“She started well with the bat but didn’t progress and make as many runs as we’d hoped but her bowling was really good.

“Our captain Maryam Omar is another one, as a first-year captain, she led really well and I’m looking forward to bigger and better things next year.”

Plenty Valley will look to continue its upward trajectory next season and challenge for finals again.

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There’s been significant improvement at the club since losing state stars Sophie Day and Sophie Reid and enduring a winless season in 2021-22.

The Bats are confident the young talent is ready to take another step forward.

“The girls have had the opportunity to find out what First XI Premier Cricket Women’s is all about,” Thomas said.

“A few played Second XI last year who had never seen First XI cricket before so now they’ve had that opportunity I believe next year they’ll be a lot better players so I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”