Tara Murray
South Morang is celebrating its first women’s premiership claiming victory on the final ball in the North Metro Cricket Association Heather Baillie Shield- spring.
In just their second season, the Lions surprised themselves by claiming the title against Heidelberg on Sunday.
Lions president Paul Martin said it’s a pretty amazing feeling to have tasted success.
“It’s a really good effort considering where we have come from,” he said.
“A year and half ago we had only two players who had played cricket before. We had another five or six brand new women this year.
“We made the semi final this last year and we’ve gone one better this year. It’s a bit of a surprise, it’s a nice surprise.”
Martin said they had a squad of about 17 or 18 players with everyone getting their opportunity throughout the season.
Many of the team are partners, wives and daughters of those already at the club.
“We got them together and it was see what happens,” Martin said.
Heidelberg was the favourites heading into the match having finished on top of the table, one win clear of the Lions.
The Lions were sent in and made 4-104 from their overs. Skipper Jessica Parker led from the front making 32 at the top of the order before being run out.
Martin said he wasn’t sure they had enough runs on the board.
“They bowled and fielded brilliantly,” he said. “They stopped 20 to 30 runs in the field and they were the better bowling and fielding side.”
While Heidelberg was on top, the Lions clawed their way back into the game in the last 10 overs.
It would come down to the final ball of the match.
“They needed a four off the final ball for a tie,” Martin said. “They ended up getting two, so it was pretty close.”
Heidelberg finished 7-102. Kylie Kreuzer-Pierce and Sarah Watson took two wickets each for the Lions.
Martin said there weren’t many nerves on the side lines in the final overs, knowing the side was giving everything they had.
He was full of praise for the leadership of Parker.
The Lions will be back in action after Christmas for the summer season. Martin said the group was looking forward to it.
“They are excited for it,” he said. “We missed the first 2-3 rounds with weather and now we get straight back into it.
“Hopefully we’ll defend our title.”
Martin said they were hoping to further develop their female program, which started last season.
He said if they could get enough numbers they would look to have two teams.
The club is also starting to focus on setting up program for junior girls. He said they had about 10 to 12 girls in the Woolworths Blast program and were keen to see them progress through the ranks.
