By Tara Murray
Greenvale Kangaroos’ young stars stood up on Sunday to help the team through to a second Cricket Victoria Women’s Community north-west A grand final this season.
Having already claimed the T20 title, the Kangaroos are hoping to take out the one-day title on March 15.
Kangaroos captain Catherine Morrow said it was pretty exciting for the group.
“We have exceeded all expectations,” she said.
“After we won the T20 final, we then also wanted to make the one-day final. We have done half the job now.”
The Kangaroos put in a dominant performance with the bat to easily account for Altona Roosters on Sunday in the semi final.
The Kangaroos made a massive 3-197 off 36 overs.
Morrow was thrilled with the performance of 12-year-old Honey Raut who led from the front.
Raut and 13-year-old Nikita Chaudhary have opened the batting for the Kangaroos in the one-day competition.
“Honey made 76 which is a fantastic achievement,” she said. “She nearly bat through the innings.
“They have done well and had some really good partnerships.
“They love their cricket and they want to play at higher levels.”
Sixteen-year-old Alesha Wilkinson made 33 coming in at number three, putting on a strong partnership with Raut.
Morrow finished off the innings 66 not out herself. She said for her it wasn’t about the runs, but getting the opportunity to help the young players continue to learn.
The Roosters never looked likely to get the runs, bowled out for 81.
Sienna Barone and Aarzu Mavi (three wickets each) and Ellie Liron both bowled well. The three girls are all aged 15 and under.
The semi final win sets up a grand final with Ballarat Women’s, which Greenvale will host.
The two teams also faced off in the T20 grand final.
The grand final will be hosted on March 15, with no cricket this Sunday due to the Women’s World Cup final.
Morrow said it would allow the side another week to train before the match.
