Geelong City and Barwon Heads will meet in the Senior Women A Grade cricket grand final after two thrilling semi-finals highlighted the evenness of this season’s top four.
City defeated Lethbridge by eight runs after being bowled out for 100. Barwon Heads edged past North Geelong by seven runs with game in the balance right to the end.
Geelong City captain Mary Rolfe said her nerves “went through the roof” during the final stages of the semi-final.
“I’ve played in a couple of cricket semis before, but never anything as close as that,” she said.
“I was not sure if we’d get it done, but backed our bowlers and just hoped for the best and they delivered.”
It was the first time City has been bowled out all season.
“A lot of girls went out early that we didn’t expect to and I think it rattled a few of the girls,” Rolfe said.
“We had girls that haven’t batted at all this season coming to bat, which was good for them to have a hit, but obviously not ideal and not a total that we were overly happy with. Once we started to have our collapse, we were just trying to get to 100 because we thought that was a defendable score.”
Rolfe said the excitement was massive after the game.
“Just how close it was and the fact that we did end up getting it done, that just made it so much more satisfying,” she said.
“And when we did end up winning, just seeing how happy and excited all the girls were.”
Rolfe said the grand final would provide another test for her bowling line up.
“I think they’re (Barwon Heads) a really good batting side, so I think we’re going to have to focus on bowling well and restrict a few of their top order batters from getting away from us too early,” she said.
“But our bowlers have been doing the job, so you have to back them in. They’re always very accurate.”
Heads’ playing coach Steph Theodore said it was an “unbelievable feeling” to make a grand final.
“We all contributed really well as a team,” she said.
“There were good partnerships – Alana (Sproule – 45 from 54 deliveries) did really well by supporting the top order. While we lost quick wickets, she was able to work a couple partnerships with some of our young ladies.
“I wasn’t sure if it (116 all out) was enough to be honest because they are such a good side North Geelong – a talented batting side.”
Theodore threw the ball to Kelsey Houghton for her first over of the day with just three remaining in the match.
Houghton bowled a no-ball that went for four, but trapped danger batter Chelsea Reid in front with her fourth ball and the game was over.
Theodore used her three frontline bowlers – Sproule, Matilda Cole and Katrina Lumb – early in the pursuit of top-order wickets and it paid off.
With the trio bowling their full complement of six overs each, it meant Theodore took the ball herself despite bowling less than three overs all season. She took two timely wickets.
“I just wanted to throw a spanner in the works for them,” she said.
“But of an unknown thing, just trying to throw them off to be honest. I don’t think they would have expected that.”
Theodore said Geelong City would be a tough assignment in the season decider.
“They’re young, they’re quick, they bat well,” she said.
“One of the things that I know we need to be on the ball is trying to stop those quick singles. We only played them once and that’s what killed us.
“I’d imagine they’ll try that again so I’ve really got to start thinking about fielding positions and where to place them and put a bit more pressure on them not taking those quick singles.”
Grand finals, Sunday March 9, 1pm
A Grade
Geelong City vs Barwon Heads at Lawn Addicts Oval, South Barwon Reserve.
B Grade
Newtown & Chilwell vs Bell Park at Reynolds Oval, South Barwon Reserve.
C Grade
Drysdale vs Anglesea in C Grade at Polwarth Oval, Torquay.
D Grade
Thomson vs East Belmont at Grenville Oval, Torquay.
E Grade Central
Murgheboluc vs St Joseph’s at South Barwon Reserve No 5.
E Grade East
Armstrong Creek vs Barwon Heads at South Barwon Reserve No 4.
E Grade North
Little River vs North Geelong at South Barwon Reserve No 3.
