On Sunday 10th December, the women of the NMCA took to the field to chase Premiership Glory in the Season 2017/18 Spring Season Grand Finals. A huge crowd of over 100 spectators poured into Oulton Reserve, where host club Preston Baseballers had provided an excellent set up of coffee, egg and bacon rolls and sunshine for all to enjoy.
The games were umpired by a quartet of officials who had completed the NMCA Women’s Cricket Competition Umpiring Program in Season 2017/18, which focused on providing umpires with an in-depth understanding of the nuances of the women’s game.
NMCA Umpires – Ian Kearns, Michael Jumeau, Frances Galvin King and Diane Canavan
Once again, the Cameronettes met Holy Trinity in the Lorraine Ireland Shield – a Grand Final rematch from Season 2016/17. After going through an entire two seasons unbeaten before losing the previous Grand Final to Holy Trinity, the Cameronettes were keen to level the score. Holy Trinity won the toss and elected to bat, compiling a total of 7/106 off their 20 overs.
The Cameronettes teetered at 2 for 14 early, before Kellie Trotter and Kara Craig joined together for a 54 run partnership that placed the team in a commanding position. The winning runs were hit by Belinda Harvey, as the Cameronettes claimed their first Lorraine Ireland Shield with a total of 4/109 off 17.3 overs.
A large group of spectators watch the Cameronettes defeat Holy Trinity
In the Lenore Smith Shield, newcomers Camrea faced the Dennis Dragonettes who have had excellent participation across the two indoor seasons in 2017, with their improvement leading them to their first Grand Final in the Women’s Cricket Competition. Lead by their Captain Julie Miller, the team features seven players aged 40 or over who have taken up the game as adults, many of whom are enjoying the prospect of playing with their daughters in seasons to come. Camrea started the season with only 9 players a week before Round 1, before building a formidably strong unit and enjoying several wins in the home and away rounds.
Dennis won the toss and elected to bowl, holding Camrea to 4/109 with Teresa Cassar making 35* for the Stingrays. Dennis then provided a thrilling run chase falling just short making 8/89 off their 20 overs.
The Next Generation of NMCA Women’s Cricketers supporting their Mums & Family!
Kara Craig from Cameron was awarded the Lorraine Ireland Shield Player of the Match, taking 2/8 and making an instrumental 30 runs when the game was in the balance. Teresa Cassar from Camrea was the Lenore Smith Shield Player of the Match for her 35* with the bat, 3/12 with the ball and possibly the best catch we have ever seen in the Women’s Competition!
It was a magnificent morning and celebration of skill, camaraderie and cricket! A huge congratulations to all of the participants who continue to embrace and embody the very best things about the game we all love.
The Four Grand Final Teams and their Coaches
