By Mark Heenan
Ocean Grove senior women cricketers can be proud of their achievements in their first season of competitive club cricket, according to Grubber playing skipper Jacquie Johnston.
The Grubbers lost a last over thriller in the Geelong Cricket Association Barwon region Women’s T20 final to Colac-based Irrewarra on February 16.
The Redbacks won with three balls to spare in the final over of day. They finished at 3-90 from 19.3 overs in reply to Ocean Grove’s 6-89.
“They (our players) were incredible,” Johnston told the Voice.
“From the first season … to develop so well and have so much fun – that is probably the big thing.
“We wanted to make sure everyone had a go and everyone felt involved.”
“It totally (exceeded our expectations).”
Johnston said the team’s success was a remarkable achievement, given only three of the 11 Grubber cricketers named in the grand final squad had played competitively prior to this season.
Apart Johnston, opening batter Michelle Cameron and all-rounder Alana Kot, everyone was a first-timer.
“How good is it to play cricket where you are 10 minutes with your mates and you roll up to training and have a bit of fun,” Johnston said.
Both Irrewarra and Ocean Grove finished on top of the ladder in the GCA T20 North and South conferences, respectively.
Irrewarra had only suffered one defeat for the season, a loss to Manifold Heights in round 5. while the Grubbers had been undefeated, with eight consecutive victories across the season, including a semi-final win over St Joseph’s on February 9.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Irrewarra restricted the Grubbers to 6-89 from 20 overs.
Jackie Montgomery top scored with an aggressive 19, while openers Michelle Cameron (18) and Alana Kot (13) both got starts.
Irrewarra pair Rachael Connelly, who took 2-12 from four overs, and Ange Balcombe snared 2-7 from three overs.
Connelly was named player of the match, she finished with a score of 40 retired, which helped her side win the match.
Andrea Frankpitt was the leading wicket-taker with 2-19 for the Grubbers.
