Phillip Island to take on Koonwarra L/RSL in grand final

PHILLIP Island and Koonwarra L/RSL will go head-to-head in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association’s women’s grand final on Sunday. 

For Koonwarra L/RSL, this will be a chance to go that extra step after finishing runner up in the 2023/24 season.

In the semi finals played over the weekend, Phillip Island defeated Inverloch, and Koonwarra L/RSL defeated Leongatha Town. 

The wintery blast on Saturday didn’t prevent the Phillip Island and District Cricket Club’s (PIDCC) women’s semi-final against Inverloch starting on time on Sunday. 

In true form, Captain Bec lost the toss, and the Island women were sent out to field. 

Young Gun Sienna opened the bowling with class and Winnie with pace. 

Grace soon claimed the first wicket through Jane’s catch at square leg. 

Kate then had a sensational over with two wickets, including clean bowling the opposition and a catch by B at point. 

Jess also claimed two wickets of her own, with a run out and a nick caught in the safe hands of wicket keeper Rosanna. Jane and Sienna’s second overs claimed a wicket each, while B, Claudia and

Bec restricted the Inverloch run rate. At the end of the innings, Inverloch were 81.

Grace and Sienna opened the batting in great form, with Grace hitting three well placed boundaries. 

The Island were 22 after four overs. 

The dynamic running of Jane and Kate, as well as several perfectly placed boundaries by each batswoman, saw the Island’s total reach 51 after 8 overs. 

Jess and Claudia kept the scoreboard ticking over, and B and Bec continued the run scoring with B whacking two boundaries. 

The Island was 86 with one pair to go. 

Rosanna and Winnie ran well, with Rosanna hitting a boundary through mid-wicket.

 The Island cruised past the Inverloch total, with a 30-run victory. 

Congratulations to Grace, receiving the Leongatha and District Cricket Association semi-final player of the match. 

Congratulations to Grace and Kate; top scoring with 16 and 14 runs.

The pick of the bowlers was Kate 2/11 (3), Jess 2/12 (2) and Grace 1/8 (2).

Congratulations to Phillip Island Ten Pin Bowling and Entertainment Centre player of the match Kate.

Koonwarra L/RSL entered this season’s grand final with a seven-run win over Leongatha.

The match was highly competitive, with both teams laying it all on the line to earn a ticket into the grand final. 

Playing at Scorpion Park, Koonwarra L/RSL had its winning streak underway with a successful toss.

It chose to send Leongatha Town into bat first.

For Town, Nat Challis led with a strong start, putting 20 runs on the scoreboard.

Other top performers were Kate Oates and Kathryn Stewart, both contributing 13 runs.

Bowling honours went to Koonwarra L/RSL’s captain Britney Thomas and Fiona Christensen, who each took two wickets.

Leongatha Town swapped to fielding, having amassed a score of 107.

Koonwarra L/RSL put some exciting scores on the board – none more so than vice-captain Gabrielle Perry, who made 21 runs during the innings.

Perry’s bowling and fielding finesse also saw her stand out, resulting in the player of the match accolade. 

A highlight for Koonwarra L/RSL was the final partnership of Jodie Arnup and Kathy Zacharopoulos, who made 12 and 14 runs respectively.

It was their last few overs that secured the win for their team. 

Wicket taking was shared between Town bowlers Brenda Stewart, Sarah Knox, Lucy Carter and Nat Challis.

Koonwarra L/RSL’s winning tally was 104. 

The game was played in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, which was greatly appreciated by all involved.

Koonwarra L/RSL is looking forward to meeting Phillip Island in the grand final.

The 2023/24 runner up is keen to get a premiership under its belt, and defeated Phillip Island in their most recent meeting.

Phillip Island has been an excellent competitor all season and Koonwarra L/RSL is looking forward to the challenge that awaits.