Top four race tightens up in women's cricket

With two rounds left in the home and away season, three of Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Bendigo Goers, Bendigo, California Gully, West Bendigo and Strathdale-Maristians have the opportunity to join undefeated top side Sandhurst in the semi-finals.

Kangaroo Flat strengthened its finals hopes by defeating Bendigo by six wickets on Sunday.

The Roos chased down Bendigo's score of 5-106 in just 12.1 overs to move into second place on the table.

Chelsea Wearne (23), Sarah Perry (18) and Jess Potter (16) all batted well, while the Roos' cause was aided by 30 extras from Bendigo.

Read more: BDCA weekend wrap

Letesha Bawden played a lone hand for Bendigo. She made 62 not out off 45 balls, including 11 fours.

Mayumi Virajani (2-5) and Ash McLeod (2-18) did the major damage with the ball for the Roos.

West Bendigo kept its finals hopes alive and, in the process, dealt Golden Square a blow.

The Redbacks upstaged Square on the back of a fine batting performance.

Chasing Square's total of 5-130, the Redbacks won with two overs to spare thanks largely to fine innings from Ella Flavell (41 retired) and Rebecca Beagley (36 retired).

Karmel McClure (2-30) was the most successful Square bowler.

Earlier in the day, McClure made a brisk 42 not out off 40 balls with the bat.

McClure and Sarah Mannes (34 off 18 balls) ensured Square had a competitive total to bowl at.

California Gully remained in the hunt for finals after its bowlers restricted Strathdale-Maristians Blue to 6-61 off 25 overs.

Read more: Heavy-hitters have a day out in EVCA

Crystal West (3-8 off five overs) and Hannah Kenny (2-10 off five overs) did a great job with the ball for the Cobras.

Kenny (29 retired) and West (18 retired) sealed the game with the bat. The Cobras lost just one wicket in the chase and still had 13 overs remaining.

Strathdale-Maristians proved too strong for bottom side Strathfieldsaye.

Paige Gordon (3-8), Ruby Demeo (2-2) and Erin Stewart (2-24) helped the Suns dismiss the Jets for 60.

Britt Tangey (17) and Sheree Pickles (16) batted well for the Jets.

The Suns needed just 55 balls to pass the jets' total.

Jayne Demeo (21 not out), Shelley DeAraugo (14 not out) and Tara Thomas (13) were the only batters required for the Suns.

While the race for the finals berth is intriguing, the bottom line is it would take something remarkable for Sandhurst not to win the flag.

The Dragons thrashed Bendigo Goers to make it 10 wins on the trot.

Amanda O'Neill (3-12) and Rachel Winfield (2-13) led a disciplined bowling attack that dismissed the Goers for 67.

Kate Shallard then belted 44 retired from 45 balls and Abby Powell was 15 not out in Sandhurst's reply of 0-68 in 12.4 overs.

LADDER

Sandhurst 60

Kangaroo Flat 33

Golden Square 33

Bendigo Goers 33

Bendigo 30

California Gully 30

West Bendigo 30

Strathdale-Maristians 27

Strathdale-Maristians Blue 15

Strathfieldsaye 9

NEXT WEEK

Strathdale-Maristians v Sandhurst

California Gully v Kangaroo Flat

Bendigo Goers v Strathdale-Maristians Blue

Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye

Bendigo v West Bendigo

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