By Tara Murray
In only their second season and first in the higher grade, the Kangaroos were one of the form sides throughout the tournament.
Only Ballarat Women’s, which claimed the minor premiership, was able to beat them during the regular season.
The two teams faced off in Sunday’s grand final at Greenvale Recreation Reserve.
The Kangaroos got the first win when the game was moved from Ballarat to Greenvale due to ground availability.
Kangaroos skipper Catherine Morrow said it was a good feeling to play at home in front of a big home crowd.
“Unfortunately there was no ground available in Ballarat, so we were able to host it on oval number one with the great facilities,” she said.
“It was lovely not having to drive an hour up the road.”
Ballarat won the toss and sent the Kangaroos in on a pitch that looked like it would do a bit for the bowlers.
Morrow said she would have batted had she won the toss. They went on to make 8-85 off 20 overs.
“Personally I thought that was enough,” she said.
“I knew what the wicket was like and there were a few cracks. I thought the cracks might open up and it would keep a bit lower.
“We were pleased to get the runs on the board first. We would have liked a few more runs, but they still needed just over four runs an over.”
Morrow said as long as they bowled the right line and length that they would be able to force Ballarat into mistakes.
She was right, as they bowled Ballarat out for 52.
“The opening bowlers Lily Pelosi and Pragya Pokhrel bowled really well.”
Pokhrel, who took 3-14, was named player of the match.
Morrow said Pokhrel, who goes by the nickname Warnie, was a well deserved winner of the award.
The premiership is a step in the right direction for the Kangaroos, who are looking to build their women’s program.
The goal is to field a premier cricket side.
“The girls have worked really hard with virtually a new side, so to do that in the first season is fantastic.
“There’s a lot of young kids, eight of those that played are 16 and under. We want to give them every opportunity to play premier cricket.”
The Kangaroos have a weekend off before the start of the one-day competition.
Morrow said she hoped they could continue their development in this competition and put out some more good results.
“Some of the young girls have never played one-dayers. It will be tough for them at the start, more mentally than physically.
“I think they will adapt pretty quickly and I think we will be fine.”
