The Paul Pink 9-a-side competition in season 23/24 saw the girls scheduled to play 3 x T20 matches and 2 x 40 over one day matches. It was with great excitement the girls played their first T20 under lights at Valley against Wynnum. The Wynnum openers got off to a strong start with an opening partnership of 47. Despite some good bowling and fielding, we just couldn’t break through for another wicket, with Wynnum scoring 1/132. It was a case of first game nerves as our girls steadily tumbled being bowled out for 73 in the eighteenth over.  

The weekend before Christmas saw the first one day game. Playing at home against Northern Suburbs it was always a tough ask to play 40 overs in excessive heat with only 9 players per side. Evie Baker got the early breakthrough with Norths finding themselves 2/11 very quickly. Norths captain, Bridie Swain knuckled down proving elusive to get out, finishing 95 not out. Even though bowling was tight the score ticked away and left us chasing 181. We focused on partnerships with the understanding that 8 partnerships of 23 would secure the win. The girls slowly plugged away with some brilliant partnerships formed. Notable personal performances included Mailee Fearon 69, Gabby Temple 26 and Jasmine Comerford 24. The scenario of 1 wicket left and 11 runs to get provide for some anxious moments, however our girls prevailed passing their total in the 31^st over.  

After the Christmas break the girls had a massive weekend with matches scheduled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side with the first two games washed out only after driving to Brisbane. With one game left and a shot at the finals the girls tackled the final one-day match with gusto in Maroochydore. Choosing to bat first the girls somewhat tumbled out for 77 with the only batters reaching double figures Mahli Rea 34 and Charlotte Love 18. It was always going to be a tough total to defend and the hard work in the field saw Valley take 25 overs to finally pass us with 6 wickets down. It was a gallant effort by our girls.  

With the washouts causing havoc with the ladder, Scorchers finished fifth on the ladder. For many this was their final season of U16 and they thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play with other girls their age.