Stars finally get off the mark with well executed victory

Melbourne Stars have not been at their best this season; before today they had not won a game. They lost to the Perth Scorchers only the day before by a comfortable margin at the WACA. They were hoping to be competitive today. It was a remarkable turnaround for Kristen Beams' side as they won by 12 runs.
The stars must have been fearing the worst when Lizelle Lee their highest scorer from the day before was dismissed for just 9; Katherine Brunt had found the leading edge and Piepa Cleary took the catch.
Brunt was impressive in the powerplay and seeing off Anna Lanning who could only pick out Heather Graham at mid-off. Brunt bowled three overs at the start of the Stars innings before leaving the field with a sore back; she had helped her side to a good start as those overs saw her return figures of 2 for 13.
Whereas the Stars had two players that got going yesterday, it would be frustrating that they had players who got starts today but did not go on to get a big score. There seemed to be more intent to get the ones and twos today and it showed in the final overs.
Mignon du Preez looked busy again moving around in her crease, and Georgia Elwiss finally managed to build an innings. Elwiss was unlucky to be run out as Katie Mack hit straight back to Graham who dropped it but had enough awareness to run out Elwiss who was backing up too far.
Just when it looked like the Scorchers were getting on top Alana King and Erin Osborne managed to see the Stars up to 149 for 6 from their 20 overs with some quick running between the wickets.
The Stars must have thought it was going to be a similar story to yesterday as Elyse Villani smashed 18 runs off the first over from Osborne. They dug deep and had come up with better plans than the day before. They worked well as yesterday’s player of the match Nicole Bolton was given no width, Elwiss, in particular, pitched it right up and it frustrated the Australian international.
While Villani was there the Scorchers would have fancied their chances as their captain scored her second fifty in as many days. It was at a quicker fifty today, but her teammates just couldn’t keep up and the run rate.
The Scorchers just started to lose regular wickets Nat Sciver was bowled, and the Villani fell for 72 just when her side needed her to stay there.
The run-rate got out of hand and with it over 12 an over the Stars made sure of their first win with some tight bowling. The Scorchers would have hoped that Brunt could have batted today as she can hit good attacks out of the game. Her fitness will be of concern as she is an integral part of the Scorchers chances.
Melbourne Stars v Perth Scorchers
Melbourne Stars 149 for 6 (Elwiss 25, Brunt 2 for 13)
Perth Scorchers 137 for 4 (Villani 72, Alana King 1 for 11)