After tough going the first couple of years, Rivergum’s women’s side will play in its first North Metro Cricket Association grand final this Sunday.
The Kookettes, who are playing finals for the first time, beat Macleod-Heidelberg in the Jon Hyde women’s division 4 semi finals on Sunday.
Kookettes’ captain Natalie O’Flynn said it was a pretty surreal feeling to be in a grand final.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “We have a few new people this year and it changed the whole team dynamic.
“Everyone is working as a team.
“To make finals after the last three years of finishing bottom each season is pretty special.”
O’Flynn said in previous seasons it had been hard to attract players and keep the momentum of people wanting to come back.
She said they were hoping this would lead to more players wanting to join their side.
O’Flynn said the group was stunned to have made finals and that would have been enough for them from where they’ve come.
She said making the grand final was a huge bonus.
“We’ll go out there and hopefully win one more.” she said.
On Sunday, the key for the Kookettes was early wickets with the ball.
They were able to restrict Macleod-Heidelberg to 6-96 from its 20 overs.
O’Flynn said the wicket of the opposition captain, Carly Ray, for just two was really important.
“It changed the whole dynamic of the day,” she said.
“We were able to keep the runs to under 100 which was pleasing.”
The Kookettes two openers, Grace Wake and Lana Fullwood, got them off to a strong start.
O’Flynn said that allowed everyone else to come in and keep it simple and turn the strike over.
“They did all the hard work to set us up.”
The Kookettes finished 1-97 in 16.5 overs to seal the win and a grand final spot.
Fullwood top scored with 36 retired not out.
The Kookas will face Baseballers-Cobras in the grand final.
The Baseballers-Cobras beat Laurimar in the other semi final.
Meanwhile, South Morang’s run in the Lorraine Ireland Shield after it lost to North Eltham Wanderers in their semi final.
The Lions made 7-121 off their 30 overs, with the Wanderers finishing 0-125 in reply.
