By Tara Murray
Westmeadows is hoping it will be third time lucky in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition.
The Warriors won through to a third straight grand final on Sunday and are hoping that they can go one step better this season and take out the premiership.
The best side all season, the Warriors will enter the grand final undefeated after beating Sunbury in a semi final on Sunday.
Westmeadows coach Danny Law said the group was pretty happy to be back in the grand final.
“We played well and we’ve done a lot of hard work,” he said.
“We spoke about how much the last two years hurt and we don’t want that again. It will mean so much to the club and everyone involved if we can win.
“We talked about it after the game there’s a few new faces in the side that don’t have scars from the last two years.
“We’re looking forward to the day now.”
Facing first year side Sunbury on Sunday, the Warriors put in a strong performance with both the ball and bat to take the win.
The Warriors started off slowly, with Sunbury 0-23 and looking to put a good score on the board.
Law said they were able to regroup and get things back on track as they bowled the Roar out for 57.
“The first five overs we didn’t bowl the best and bowled a few too many extras,” he said.
“There were some nerves, but the next 15 overs we bowled and fielded really well.”
Of the 57 runs, 26 came due to extras.
Skipper Danielle Linton was the star with the ball, taking 4-7 off her four overs.
Megan Sawbridgeworth chipped in with 3-5.
Law said having Linton back on the field late in the season was a big plus for them.
“You expect that from her, even on one leg,” Law said.
“She was around the club when she wasn’t playing, but having her on the field lifts the girls.”
Needing just 58 for victory, Law said the focus was on taking their time.
He said they needed to stay focused with small run chases sometimes the most difficult ones.
“The opening partnership [between Emily Law and De’arne Devereux-Arena] put on 30 and didn’t take any risks.
“You can afford to take the time.”
Despite the comprehensive win, Law said he wasn’t 100 per cent happy, saying the side could have easily have got the runs just one wicket down.
Westmeadows will face Keilor in the grand final, after the Blues won through in unusual circumstances.
With the ground not playable due to heavy rain the previous couple of days, Keilor and St Andrews had a bowl off to decide who would go through to the grand final.
Keilor won 1-0 and will now play in a grand final in its first season.
Despite going in as favourites, Law said they weren’t taking anything for certain.
“The last couple of years we’ve gone in as underdogs,” he said.
“This year probably being undefeated, will have the favourite tag, but it doesn’t matter in the end with cricket being a funny game.
“Keilor is a first year team a young side. They have improved on both occasions we’ve come against them.
“We’re not taking them lightly.”
