SCHOOL SPORT VICTORIA - Loddon Mallee Regional Finals

Intermediate Girls Cricket

Excitement was in the air as game day arrived on Tuesday 13 October at the Mercy Junortoun Sports Precinct. The girls began the day against St Joseph's College, Echuca, electing to bowl first.

Evie Gretgrix took the first wicket of the day, with a ripper catch from Mia Behrens. Macey White led the attack with pace and accuracy, finishing with three wickets as the bowlers worked together to restrict St Joseph's to 28 runs. Chasing the target, Macey and Mia batted confidently to guide the team to victory. The match was played in great spirits and gave the girls plenty of confidence heading into the next game against Crusoe College, eager for another chance after their narrow loss the week before.

Once again, CMCB opted to bowl first. The breakthrough the girls had been building towards came in the third over when Sienna Barnett clean bowled a Crusoe batter who had proven difficult to dismiss in the previous meeting.

The bowlers stuck to their plans and showed significant improvement in controlling extras compared to the previous week. Special mention goes to Elle Gilchrist, who played an important role in the field, shutting down scoring opportunities with her lightning attack on the ball and relentless pressure. Sienna Raco then struck with the final ball of the innings, lifting the team's spirits even further and helping restrict Crusoe to 74 runs.

Chasing 75 for victory, Macey White and Sienna Barnett led the way with the bat. Sienna played an outstanding innings, finishing unbeaten on 36 from just 18 balls, while Macey anchored the chase with 28 not out. The pair guided the team to the target with two overs to spare, securing a well-deserved win and a perfect finish to a strong day of cricket.

It was a fantastic team effort across both matches, with the girls displaying great improvement, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day.

A big thank you to the umpire and James Lenaghan and Param Thakar for scoring/square leg, and to the College for giving us the opportunity to play the sport we love!

The team’s success has earned them progression to the SSV State Quarter Finals on Wednesday 4 November, and the girls are looking forward to the next challenge.

Mrs Natalie West (Coach)

TEAM: Etta Place, Paige Kristiansen, Indie Kramer, Zara Mould, Mia Behrens, Imogen Brown, Lilly Teuma, Mrs Natalie West (Coach), Sienna Raco, Evie Gretgrix, Elle Gilchrist, Macey White, Sienna Barnett, Bella Cail