By STEPHEN HICKS

THE WDCA Beechworth team suffered their first defeat of the year against 2020/2021 Premiers Echuca.

Played at Victoria Park in Echuca, WDCA captain/coach Kate Burns won the toss and batted first in warm conditions in the T20 match.

Openers Alex Randell and Sophie Panozzo were watchful early before playing their shots to all parts of the ground in a 28–run partnership from five overs.

A double wicket over saw the WDCA, 2/28 from six overs; Panozzo out for 15.

Kate Burns came to the crease and along with Randell took the score to 50 before Burns was dismissed for six.

The 30–ball retirement rule saw Randell leave the field with 22 not out; with only nine players – Alli McConchie made her GMC debut alongside her daughter Abby and Grace Smith also debuted.

Randell was able to return to the field at 7/70 and in the final four overs added 21 runs to finish at 7/95 and Randell undefeated with a match high 35 runs from 43 balls.

Against the strong Echuca line up, the WDCA bowled too many extras with 14 wides and two no balls.

To the WDCA credit, it took 16 overs for Echuca to chase down the 96 runs for victory.

Bowling figures were Kate Burn 0/9 off three overs, Alyssa Priest 0/18 off three overs, Neve White 0/23 off three overs, Abby McConchie 0/20 off 3.3 overs, Sophie Panozzo 0/12 off two overs and Alex Randell 0/10 from her over.

Next week in round four action, the WDCA Beechworth tackle Shepparton United at John Riordan Oval/Princess Park in Shepparton next Sunday at 11am.