Tara Murray
Laurimar peaked at the right time to make it two premierships in two summers in the North Metro Cricket Association women’s competition.
After claiming the division 2 Lenore Smith Spring [they have two seasons in one summer] premiership during the 2019-20 season, the Power took out the division 1 Lorraine Ireland summer premiership early this month.
The Power entered the division 1 grand final as underdogs against the Epping Pingettes, but came away with the silverware.
Power captain Danni Toull said it was amazing.
“It was such an amazing season,” she said.
“Everyone had a real role in the team and played it really well. We worked hard with a couple of coaches and we put it together at the end of the season.
“In making the grand final, it gave us plenty of belief that anything was possible. Beating the undefeated team really puts a pep in your step.”
The Pingettes batted first in the grand final, making 5-76 off their 30 overs.
Teresa Cassar was the standout, making 31 not out. Elyse Scheuermann took two wickets for Laurimar.
The Power managed to get the runs with ease, finishing 4-77.
Toull top scored making 22. She said after going out, she had never been so nervous as the team tried to secure victory.
Toull said the premiership was something they had been building to over the past three years.
The club formed a women’s side for the 2018-19 summer season, winning just one game.
A premiership in their second season, had the side promoted to the top grade for the summer season of the 2019-20 season.
They played finals in the 20-21 spring season in the higher grade and before claiming the summer premiership.
“Everyone got familiar with the game,” Toull said of the development.
“A lot had not played before and they didn’t even know each other. “Last year we really gelled.”
Toull admits getting promoted was an eye opener.
“It is a good competition and there’s a lot of rep players in other teams,” she said.
“After the first game or so we discovered that we do belong there.”
Surprisingly, she said the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had actually helped the team.
“When you take something away from someone, it makes you want it even more,” she said.
“We had zoom meetings and catch ups and really checked on each other.”
The day was extra special for the Power with their men’s second side also claiming a premiership.
Toull said they celebrated as a club as a whole.
“It’s such a diverse club,” she said. “I’ve never been at a club that has gelled so well.
“We celebrated as a team and as a club.”
Toull said the aim for the women’s program now was to continue to grow.
“We’re hoping to back it up next season,” she said.
“We’ll look to recruit some more players and maybe look at having a second side.
“We’ve got a lot of young girls playing for us.
“We want to get better and better.”
