Mildura Settlers and Mildura West are almost impossible to split heading into tonight’s Sunraysia Cricket Association Women’s Cup grand final.
With just one victory separating the teams on the ladder, even Setts vice-captain Jenny Donnelly said with such talent-packed sides, she did not know who would be taking home the silverware.
“It is going to be an absolute ripper because we beat West in the first round, but only three weeks ago we lost to them in what would have to be our biggest smashing in three years,” Donnelly said.
“West has one of the best cricketers in our region, Rhi (Rhiann O’Donnell), and we have one of the best younger girls in Shania McKinnon so it’ll be the absolute best of the best going up against each other.
“Shania is pure strength … she can hit a ball harder than anyone I know and in the field she is just lively.
“She can ping down the stumps from mid-off, mid-on, she can go from close in to the boundary … she is a force to be reckoned with.”
O’Donnell and McKinnon averaged more than 200 with the bat this season, highlighting their dominance of the competition.
Donnelly said for Setts to win the big dance tonight they would have to step up their fielding and hold their composure with the bat.
“The team is feeling very excited and a whole lot of nerves,” she said.
“I think this is the best year we’ve had because COVID-19 gave us a year off, which gave us plenty of time to recruit.
“We had a lot of kids who were too little to play but after the year off they’ve now grown up and are able to participate.
“We’ve got some pretty amazing talent, so for most of the year it has been pretty smooth sailing and we’ve had opportunities to really let our juniors have a go.”
Mildura West captain Breanna Smith said she would be looking to O’Donnell to set the standard tonight.
“It’s going to be a really close game,” Smith said. “Our young ones have been standing out so no doubt we will be counting on Ruby Woollard, Dami Zanoni and Tara Martin to get us over the line.”
Smith said the team had a “great run up to the final”.
“Our team has developed hugely this year,” she said.
“Especially our young girls have come a really long way.
“Last season we didn’t win many games so to come out of this home-and-away season so successful and to be in the grand final just speaks to the girls’ attitudes and willingness to train.
“If we want to win tonight we need to set a decent score and a few of us need to retire on 30.
“The crowds have been pretty big the past few weeks so I there’s going to be great energy and turnouts from both teams.”
Both teams will also be playing under lights for the first time, adding to the atmosphere.
“We go out there each week, try to give everyone a go and try to make sure everyone is having fun,” she said.
“No matter who walks away as premier tonight, we couldn’t have asked for a better season and I know it’s going to be a high-intensity game.”
