The 2019/20 VSBL Women's Division 1, 2 and 3 competitions opened on Saturday with some big surprises and terrific displays of teamwork. Essendon (Div 1), Springvale (Div 2) and Doncaster and Melbourne (Div 3) are looking for back-to-back premierships as the summer season continues.
Women's Division 1
Essendon Bombers 7 vs. Doncaster Dragons 7
Reigning premiers Essendon Bombers looked forward to getting their first victory on the board, but Doncaster Dragons had other ideas in mind. These two sides battled long and hard, with the game eventually resulting in a 7-7 draw.
Both teams will look to take home big victories in round two as they pursue solid starts to the season.
Springvale sits atop the Women's Division 1 ladder after Footscray forfeited their round one matchup. This upcoming Saturday will see Footscray go toe-to-toe with Essendon and Doncaster battle it out against Springvale.
Springvale sits atop the Women's Division 1 ladder after Footscray forfeited their round one matchup. This upcoming Saturday will see Footscray go toe-to-toe with Essendon and Doncaster battle it out against Springvale.
Women's Division 2
Footscray Bulldogs 4 vs. Doncaster Dragons 14
The Dragons ran away with the lead in this game, racking up 14 runs in an impressive display of team batting and opportunistic offence. Footscray managed to piece together a few scoring opportunities, but they will look to boost their batting in their next game against Essendon.
Fitzroy Lions 0 vs. Springvale Lions 12
Springvale finished the 2018/19 VSBL season on a high with grand final glory, and they picked up right where they left off in Saturday's match against Fitzroy.
Lili Cavanagh and Emily Devine shared pitching duties for Springvale, combining for an amazing 17 strikeouts on the day. That's not all they shared, as both players also hit inside-the-park home runs to bolster the Lions' lead.
After such a commanding shut-out victory, Springvale will look for more of the same as they host Wheelers Hill this weekend, while Fitzroy will try and find their footing on the road vs. Doncaster.
Wheelers Hill Warriors 13 vs. Essendon Bombers 1
After a huge inaugural season in Women's Division 3, Wheelers Hill has stepped up to Division 2 in dominating fashion. The Warriors didn't give the Bombers much to work with as they ran away with the game, taking a favorable record in round one and preparing them for round to against 2018/19 Women's Division 2 Champions Springvale.
Footscray Bulldogs 4 vs. Doncaster Dragons 14
The Dragons ran away with the lead in this game, racking up 14 runs in an impressive display of team batting and opportunistic offence. Footscray managed to piece together a few scoring opportunities, but they will look to boost their batting in their next game against Essendon.
Fitzroy Lions 0 vs. Springvale Lions 12
Springvale finished the 2018/19 VSBL season on a high with grand final glory, and they picked up right where they left off in Saturday's match against Fitzroy.
Lili Cavanagh and Emily Devine shared pitching duties for Springvale, combining for an amazing 17 strikeouts on the day. That's not all they shared, as both players also hit inside-the-park home runs to bolster the Lions' lead.
After such a commanding shut-out victory, Springvale will look for more of the same as they host Wheelers Hill this weekend, while Fitzroy will try and find their footing on the road vs. Doncaster.
Wheelers Hill Warriors 13 vs. Essendon Bombers 1
After a huge inaugural season in Women's Division 3, Wheelers Hill has stepped up to Division 2 in dominating fashion. The Warriors didn't give the Bombers much to work with as they ran away with the game, taking a favorable record in round one and preparing them for round to against 2018/19 Women's Division 2 Champions Springvale.
Women's Division 3 East
Melbourne Demons 14 vs. Springvale Lions 3
Melbourne's combined team with Doncaster took home the flag in the Women's Division 3 competition last year, and the Demons' dynamic lineup demonstrated such power and confidence on Saturday with a big win over Springvale. Melbourne is set to face Waverley this coming Saturday while Springvale has a bye before they try to get a win on the board in round three.
With a Waverley forfeit vs. Doncaster and a bye for Moorabbin, Melbourne and Doncaster sit atop the Women's Division 3 East ladder to start the season.
Women's Division 3 South
Sandringham Royals 7 vs. Cheltenham Rustlers 17
The Rustlers were all smiles on Saturday after pulling off a huge victory over Sandringham to start their season in exciting fashion. The Royals fought hard and showed lots of potential for the upcoming season, as they'll go for a win against Bonbeach Blue this weekend. Cheltenham hosts Pakenham Black as they pursue a 2-0 record.
Photo: Cheltenham Rustlers - Facebook
Bonbeach Blue 7 vs. Berwick City Cougars 3
Both teams relied on bursts of offence to get the job done, with Bonbeach Blue eventually coming out on top with a 7-3 victory over Berwick City. Bonbeach Blue visits Sandringham on Saturday in search of a 2-0 record while Berwick City hosts Bonbeach White.
Pakenham Pumas White 20 vs. Pakenham Pumas Black 16
Pakenham was thrilled to put two teams into the Women's Division 3 competition, and this exciting, high-scoring battle showed why. Up and down the lineup players were making a difference, contributing to their team's efforts and staying in the game. Ultimately the Pumas White team got the winning edge, a good way to start the season before a bye for round two. Pakenham Black has an upcoming battle against Cheltenham to look forward to.
Women's Division 3 West
Geelong White 10 vs. Geelong Blue 16
In a brilliant battle of the Baycats, the Blue side came back to win the game in a historic moment at Geelong Baseball Centre. With two teams in the competition and a growing Baycats family, Geelong is set for a big season in Women's Division 3 West. Both teams hit the road this Saturday, with Blue heading to Fitzroy and White visiting North Western Titans.
North Western Titans 1 vs. Sunshine Eagles 18
The Eagles were firing on all cylinders as they cruised to a massive 17-run advantage on Saturday. With a group of enthusiastic players ready to learn and improve out on the field, Sunshine is poised for a successful season. The Titans kept their heads up and will have the chance to regroup and rebound in week two against Geelong White, while Sunshine has a bye.