Determined LDCA outplayed in GCL decider

THE LDCA women finished a strong GCL season as runner-up to the ladder-topping Sale-Maffra in Sunday’s Grand Final at Bundalaguah in scorching weather.

LDCA co-captain Gabby Perry lost the toss, her side having to bowl first on what looked like a great batting pitch. 

Sale-Maffra got off to a solid start scoring around a run a ball, until the spin queen Brit Thomas struck removing three of the Sale-Maffra top order batters in reasonably quick succession. 

Thomas finished with four wickets, taking her tally to nine for the GCL season, a fantastic effort.

Skipper Perry and young star Millie Gold took a wicket each for LDCA, the Sale-Maffra girls finishing their 40 overs at 6/185, with Jess McDonald’s three catches a highlight for LDCA.

After lunch, it was LDCA’s turn to bat and devastation struck early with top order batters Gabby Perry, Mel Gheller and Jackie Newman all dismissed for a combined 15 runs. 

Holly Williams and Thomas came to the crease and steadied the ship batting patiently until both girls were dismissed not long after. 

Enter Elyse Fisher and McDonald and the girls played beautifully and patiently to get things back on track, with the highlight being the retirement of McDonald due to her score reaching 50 runs.

The LDCA continued to fight hard, never giving up with batters Nicole Creaser and Tiana Gold adding a valuable 25 runs combined to the score. 

The loss of the last wicket saw Jess McDonald able to return to the crease and she continued to strike the ball well eventually finishing on 56*, an awesome innings.

After 40 overs LDCA finished on 9/136, which saw the GCL cup go to the Sale-Maffra girls. 

Sale-Maffra was acknowledged as a well-deserved winner, with LDCA players looking forward to more great contests in the future.

Appreciation was expressed for those at Bundalaguah Cricket Club who assisted in the ground preparation, providing lunch and hosting players, umpires and spectators.

Those at the LDCA look forward to continuing to build a sustainable and inclusive women’s program.

Women’s GCL Grand Final:

Sale-Maffra 6/185 def LDCA 9/136

Brit Thomas 4/19, Gabby Perry 1/22 (7), Millie Gold 1/4 (2)

Jess McDonald 56*, Tiana Gold 13*, Nicole Creaser 12