In a strong collective display, Western Australia Women secured a convincing 52-run victory over South Australia Scorpions in the Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL) 2025-26 fixture at the WACA on January 8, 2026. Although their batting innings got off to a shaky start, it was Mathilda Carmichael’s composed 71 and Chloe Ainsworth’s aggressive 42 that turned the tide in their favour. Amy Edgar then sealed the victory with an outstanding five-wicket haul.
Western Australia’s batting began on a rough note, as they faced early setbacks against a disciplined South Australian bowling attack. Maddy Darke was dismissed for a duck on the second ball of the match, bowled by Darcie Brown, leaving Western Australia at 1-1. Things didn’t get better quickly, as Mikayla Hinkley followed Darke back to the pavilion for just 6, further putting Western Australia on the back foot at 2-29 within the first five overs.
Despite captain Chloe Piparo’s solid effort of 34 runs off 38 balls, featuring six fours, she too couldn’t rescue the innings, getting trapped lbw by Tahlia McGrath as Western Australia slumped to 4-52. Heather Graham’s brief innings ended as she chipped a catch to Bridget Patterson, leaving the team struggling at 4-52 after just 10 overs.
However, the turning point came with a determined partnership between Mathilda Carmichael and Bhavi Devchand. The pair managed to stabilise the innings with a crucial 63-run stand before Devchand departed for a valuable 31 off 49 balls.
Carmichael continued to lead the charge, ultimately scoring a vital 71 from 105 balls, hitting 10 boundaries before being stumped by Patterson off Jemma Barsby at 6-198. The lower order added some much-needed late impetus, with Ainsworth’s explosive 42 runs off 46 balls, including six boundaries, helping Western Australia finish their innings at 243 from 50 overs. Lilly Mills chipped in with 11 runs before being caught out, and contributions from Amy Edgar and Ebony Hoskin brought the total up to a fighting score.
On the bowling side, South Australia’s attack was effective, with Darcie Brown leading with impressive figures of 3-41. Tahlia McGrath and the spin duo of Barsby and Amanda-Jade Wellington also shared the wickets and kept the pressure on throughout Western Australia’s innings.
Chasing 244, South Australia needed a strong foundation, but the bowlers struck early. Bridget Patterson was caught by Carmichael off Hoskin for just 5 runs, followed soon after by Emma de Broughe, who managed only 17 before edging the ball to Amy Edgar, leaving the Scorpions at 2-44.
Courtney Webb provided some resistance with a fluent 58 runs off 55 balls, hitting 10 boundaries in a commendable knock, but wickets continued to tumble around her. Madeline Penna fell for a duck at 3-45, and Tahlia McGrath added a steady 28 before Ainsworth combined with Edgar again to send her back at 5-132.
Although Hollie Armitage remained unbeaten on 39 from 48 balls, support dwindled as the innings progressed. Captain Jemma Barsby was dismissed for 24, Amanda-Jade Wellington fell lbw to Edgar, and when Eleanor Larosa and Darcie Brown went for 1 and 2 respectively, South Australia found themselves all out for 191 in just 38.4 overs, handing them a 52-run defeat.
Amy Edgar was rightfully named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 43 runs. Support from Shay Manolini, who claimed 3-25, Heather Graham’s tidy 1-39, and Ebony Hoskin’s important 1-20 were also crucial in this solid victory.
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