Tara Murray
Westmeadows is aiming to come back bigger and better next season after falling short in its attempt of a fourth straight premiership.
The Warriors entered the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s grand final on Sunday as favourites, having gone through the regular season undefeated.
The Warriors were tested by Burnside Springs in their semi final, but got the job done to win through to the grand final.
In a rematch of last season’s grand final, it was Caroline Springs that managed to turn the table and get its first women’s premiership.
The Falcons put out a strong performance with the bat, with some big hitting pushing the score to 5-141.
Caitlin Pretty top scored with 90 not out for the Falcons.
For the Warriors, Caetlyn Twentyman took two wickets, while Emily Finlay bowled tightly finishing with 1-9 off her four overs.
Last season’s competition best and fairest winner, Natalie Scott was out early for the Warriors, before collapse saw the side go from 1-25 to 4-26.
The side never recovered as they lost frequent wickets, including two in an over, restricted to 9-76.
De’arne Devereux-Arena top scored with 22 as only three players reached double figures for the Warriors
Warriors captain Sammi Cutajar said the Falcons were just the better team on the day.
“Well deserved… we knew we had a challenge and it was a good game,” she said.
“We didn’t come home with the chocolates, but for me everyone stood up this season and we still came home with the win. [It] this season is still a win in our eyes.
“I’m one proud captain.”
Cutajar said they knew they had to get the wicket of Pretty to give them the best chance of winning, but weren’t able to find a way to get her out.
She said then losing wickets in clumps when they were batting proved costly.
“We don’t like that, but it is what it is,” she said. “It’s one of those games and Caroline Springs came away with the win.”
The grand final appearance continues the Warriors success since forming the women’s program.
The club has won two VTCA women’s premierships, a North West Metropolitan Cricket Association premiership and a Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket premiership in a short period of time.
The club’s women’s third XI will play off in a grand final this Saturday in the NWMCA women’s division 6 competition.
Cutajar said she was proud of the whole program.
“All of us are proud of each other and how we’ve all come along. This is our sixth season playing in a grand final, it’s a great achievement for the club. I’m super proud of the club and bring on next year.
“I’m already ready to get back to training.”
