Balnarring demonstrated their class by defeating a courageous Somerville in the Division 1 Women’s MPCA Cricket Grand Final on Sunday at Somerville Recreation Reserve.
Before a packed crowd, Balnarring batted first and accumulated runs at a steady pace, with their top five batters all reaching double figures. Jessica Marsh 11, Catherine Donlon 26, Jemma Reynolds 23, Brianna Watson 31 not out and Jorja Gay 20 all contributed to reach a very competitive total of 5/133.
For the Eagles, Julie Fearns applied the heat with 2/15. Express opening bowler Lara Brittain had the Balnarring batters jumping with figures of 2/35, and Kaitlyn White finished with 1/19. Competition-leading wicket taker Katelyn Van Loo was economical to finish with 0/11 off six overs.
In reply, Somerville was immediately in trouble, with representative opening bat Tilly Black back in the pavilion for 2 before Bethany Reece (13) and Marlee Black (a brilliant 45) compiled an excellent partnership of 50 runs.
After their dismissals, Somerville was in a winnable position at 3/84. However, the disciplined and accurate Balnarring attack tightened the screws to secure a succession of quick wickets. Julie Fearns carried her bat to finish on 27 not out. However, the team total of 9/113 saw the Eagles fall a tantalising 20 runs short.
In his seventh and final season, club coach Jason Nagel said that “he was incredibly proud of the commitment, camaraderie and improvement that the team demonstrated over the season.”
The final result showed that Balnarring deserved their victory and both teams should be congratulated on the spirit in which the game was played.
Somerville 1sts
The final round of the season saw Somerville 1/155 defeat Moorooduc 149.
Ryan McNamara once again demonstrated that he is one of the competition’s elite fast bowlers, finishing with 3/34. Captain Chris Brittain completed a superb season to conjure the dazzling figures of 4/19 and 31 wickets for the season, enough to snag the competition bowling average.
Kiefer Peries continued his outstanding run of form to compile 89 not out and, with Luke Rowe, formed an opening partnership of 94. Nick Mann remained 20 not out.
Semi Final
Somerville v Rosebud at Somerville
This weekend sees Somerville take on traditional rivals Rosebud at home in what shapes as a hard-fought and uncompromising contest.
The other knockout final comprises Old Peninsula and Balnarring.
2nds
Somerville finished in third position with a comprehensive win against Moorooduc, 5/312 to 131.
Batting
Jack Heydon 57
Tom Ridout 93
Cooper Staff 56
Noah Alderson 43 not out
Bowling
Sam Green 4/15
Semi Final
Somerville v Mt Eliza at Mt Eliza
3rds
Mt Eliza 5/156 defeated Somerville 10/58
James Roberts 14 & 2/10
Henry Ridout 13
Toby Black 2/42
4ths
Somerville 5/214 defeated Mt Eliza 5/212
Jarrod Hodgins 73
Jedd Sutton 81
Justin Allsopp 35
Ben Page 2/18
Semi Final
Somerville v Seaford Tigers
5ths
Somerville 10/115 defeated Balnarring 10/41
Gage Baker 45
Jacob Watson 4/18
Semi Final
Mt Martha v Somerville
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