MILDURA East’s first women’s cricket finals appearance in over two decades could also lead to a drought-breaking premiership.
East host Merbein at Brian Weightman Oval in a Friday twilight clash in the Sunraysia Cricket Association Premier Women’s grand final, a first head-to-head between the two sides this campaign due to weather-affected draws.
The inclusion of former Mildura Settlers gun Shania McKinnon and ex-Gol Gol all-rounder Sonia Drew has worked wonders for the host side, their experience helping the development of talented youngsters within the side.
The duo both retired not out on 30 in the semi-final win over Gol Gol, while Drew also took 4/5 bowling.
East captain Caitlin Finch hoped their run could culminate in a premiership after 23 years outside the top four.
“We’re pretty pumped up. (Last week) we all played really well against Gol Gol, which built our confidence,” she said.
“(McKinnon and Drew) have been really good pick-ups this year. They’ve brought a lot of experience along and hopefully they can perform for us.”
One of the young guns impressing at East was Taya Higgins, the 16-year-old taking a 3/2 last week.
“This season she played a lot of cricket away, which has really helped her development,” Finch said.
“She’s still pretty young and has a lot of room to grow, which is exciting.”
Merbein captain Tara Martin believed her side remained the underdogs, despite their impressive semi-final victory over minor premiers Nichols Point Gold.
Just two players remained from the side that won the club’s last premiership in 2018, but the emergence of young players like sisters Eden and Callie Trinick had pushed the new-look side forward.
“I think we all surprised ourselves (last week), and even when we didn’t play at our best, the whole team stood up for each other and all those one-percenters became really important,” Martin said.
“I thought I’d share it around and give everyone a go and then it started working, so we thought why not stick with the young girls when they’re doing such a great job.
“As long as everyone performs I think we should be okay and as long as we’re able to provide back-up to each other if someone isn’t having a good day, we can push each other forward.
“East will definitely be a tough opponent, especially seeing as we haven’t played them yet and we’re not sure how they’ll bat or bowl, but we’ll just have to do what we did against Gold and see what happens.”
The Premier Women’s grand final starts at 5.30pm.
