An exceptional spell from Lilly Mills and even team batting contribution has led WA to a vital 36-run victory over Tasmania in the WNCL clash at Blundstone Arena yesterday afternoon.
Mills Masterclass ends Tasmania's Unbeaten WNCL run
Western Australia have boosted their chances of qualifying for this season's Women's National Cricket League final, moving to second on the table after an upset 36-run win over Tasmania.
The victory was a vital one for a young WA group, following consecutive defeats to New South Wales at the WACA Ground a fortnight ago.
After Chloe Piparo and England star Amy Jones top-scored with 42 runs apiece to help WA to 9-248 at Bellerive Oval, Taneale Peschel struck twice early with the ball and Lilly Mills picked up 4-36 as the Tigers were bowled out for 212.
The two-time reigning champions had been undefeated in their first eight matches of this season.
But their hopes of maintaining their perfect record were dealt a blow when captain Elyse Villani (12) chopped on, giving Peschel her first, before Lizelle Lee (7) quickly followed, caught off the bowling of Piepa Cleary and Peschel's second saw her remove the in-form Nicola Carey.
Australia allrounder Heather Graham, who remained in Hobart after the third T20I against South Africa to appear in the game, struck a 65-ball 61 but wickets continued to fall at the other end.
Young quick Hayley Silver-Holmes (43no from 52) shared a 51-run final-wicket stand with Molly Strano (18) to frustrate the visitors below Amy Edgar trapped the latter lbw in the 46th over to seal the win.
Earlier, Silver-Holmes picked up 3-26, removing the Western Australia top three of Piparo, Maddy Darke (19) and Mathilda Carmichael (0).
But Jones' middle-order contribution and an unbeaten 36 from 47 from teen quick Chloe Ainsworth helped WA post a defendable total.
WA and Tasmania resume hostilities at the same venue tomorrow afternoon.