Shepparton United’s chief destroyer was unplayable as she spearheaded the side’s eight-wicket triumph over Leitchville-Gunbower in the sole A-grade contest of the round.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Leitchville-Gunbower began with a flurry as Macey Brereton stormed to 15 before looping one into the hands of Dinesha Patabandige.
Brereton had turned the key, but it seemed no-one was willing to walk through the door for the hosts.
Taylor Hird made 14 before retiring, and despite Lauren Dehne also reaching double digits, none of Leitchville-Gunbower’s other batters were able to fire – Gardiner made sure of that.
Her 2-11 off three overs, paired with a couple of team run-outs, restricted the home side to 6/70 from its 20 overs – a score United always looked capable of chasing down.
The ever-reliable Lia Beecroft (16 retired) set the tone early, as did Christina Roberts (12), and when Gardiner arrived at the crease the game was all but finished.
Her unbeaten 18 carried United over the line and placed the side atop the ladder due to Echuca having the bye and Bamawm-Lockington United versus Beechworth Wanderers rescheduled for January.
The coming weekend also sees the return of GMC’s Youth Girls and B-grade competitions on Friday night and Sunday respectively.
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