Nagambie remains the force of Cricket Shepparton’s senior women’s competition, claiming a ninth straight win on Sunday at Shepparton Youth Club United’s Festival of Cricket.

The curtain-raiser clash for the Cricket Shepparton Invitational versus International XI was controlled from the outset by the Lakers, led by skipper Kayla Shepherd’s work with the willow.

United batted first after winning the toss, but despite an eight-run opening over, the Lakers would soon stamp their authority on the contest.

Breanna Davison would bowl the lively Mel Saunders for nine, before Dianne Poole was run out for four, the hosts sitting at 2-25, largely due to a growing tally of sundries.

Phoebe Hawker dug in momentarily, producing a patient 13 off 26 before she was trapped LBW by Shepherd, but captain Lia Beecroft’s 23 not out continued Hawker’s hard work, steering the home side to 4-73 at innings’ end.

As Shepherd marked middle to commence Nagambie’s turn with the bat, Hawker was firmly eagle-eyed at the top of her mark – but avenging her wicket wouldn’t come.

Shepherd knocked two fours off the first over, while a wide delivery run for three rubbed salt into the wound for United.

The Nagambie skipper continued to find the rope at Princess Park before fellow opener Madison Albers was bowled by Hawker for three runs, but the Lakers had put 32 on the scoreboard at the time of dismissal.

Shepherd smacked 16 of 17 runs scored in the seventh over to race towards the target, before she was retired not out after eight overs on 46 off 27 with nine boundaries to her name.

Kelsey Abbott was bowled for a golden duck, but Sandy Ezard and Davison ensured victory was collected comfortably, sealing the deal in the 11th over to win by eight wickets.

Round 11’s other match between Kyabram and Mooroopna was abandoned due to heat on Saturday, with the Redbacks and Cats splitting the four premiership points on offer.

This week marks the final round of the home and away season, but ladder positions are set in stone, meaning there’s nothing to lose for every side.

Mooroopna and SYCU will tussle for what could likely be a preliminary final match-up, while a fresh Redbacks outfit will be eyeing an upset over Nagambie despite the Lakers looking to complete a flawless campaign.

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Tuesday, 4th May 2027

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