Western Australia have made an early statement in the women's division of the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, with the reigning champions beginning the tournament in undefeated fashion.
WA made light work of South Australia on Thursday after opening their campaign with a hard fought victory over hosts Queensland earlier in the week.
Led by Charlotte Toohey, who compiled a quick half-century in WA's middle order, the 2025 champions posted an imposing 6-165 at Cameron Oval on Thursday morning.
After the foundation of WA's innings was set by openers Emily Bowden (31 from 24) and Regina Deleeuw (22 from 22), Toohey arrived at the crease with her side 2-66 in the ninth over.
The Kaurna Meyunna woman went on to strike eight boundaries, including two 6s, in her 36-ball innings to guide WA to 6-154 upon her dismissal, caught off the bowling of Sibona Jimmy for 54.
Maddy Willoughby (2-23) and former Northern Territory representative Rita Tomlins (2-46) picked up multiple wickets for South Australia.
In response SA could muster just 60 before being bowled out in the 16th over.
For Western Australia, Veronica Keen took three wickets from her four economical overs to end with figures of 3-3, with Elise Simpson, Regina Deleeuw, Mikayla Hinkley and Samara Williams also in the wickets.
Hosts Queensland provided more of a challenge for Western Australia earlier in the week, however WA still managed a relatively comfortable victory, winners by seven wickets with more than four overs remaining.
Queenaland's 6-121 was highlighted by a 62-run opening wicket stand between Tracee Williamson (47 from 27) and Christina Coulson (22 from 26), however a steady flow of wickets and some tight late-innings bowling lead to the home side posting a moderate total.
Western Australia's powerful top order chased down the total with relative ease. Opener Deleeuw (35 from 26) top scored in the chase, with Hinkley (26* from 19) and Toohey (18* from 22) seeing their side home in the 16th over.
Earlier on Tuesday Queensland begin the tournament in winning fashion with victory over South Australia.
Coulson was dominant from the outset, carving the South Australian attack to all areas of Harrup Park on her way to an unbeaten 93* from just 66 balls.
South Australia used eight bowlers however had no answer for the Kaurareg woman, who struck 14 boundaries in her innings while being supported by Williamson (17 from 13) and Grace Abdy (25* from 33).
South Australia made a proper fist of the chase on the back of Ella Gustard, who compiled an unbeaten 67* (52).
The Port Adelaide Cricket Club product paired with Brenda Tau (40* from 36) in a 90-run third wicket stand, however the pair eventually fell 11 runs short.
In the third match of the opening day's play 59* (36) from Tasmanian Tiger and Sydney Sixer, Emma Manix-Geevers, led Victoria to a strong victory over New South Wales.
After Merinda Hale 31 (33) and Ella Hayward 61 (44) partnered for 75 to get Victoria off to a fast start Manix-Geeves took over, striking eight boundaries, including a six, in her unbeaten knock.
In response NSW faulted early, losing three quick wickets including key batters in Callee Black and Roxsanne Van-Veen to slump to 3-11.
Despite solid contributions from middle order batters Zoe Fleming (32 from 26) and Maddison Spence (22 from 19), NSW never recovered fully, ending 9-100 from their 20 overs.
Opener Jaime Anthony (2/17) was Victoria's best with the ball.
Remaining matches on Thursday include Victoria up against Queensland and South Australia.
