THE best two teams of the 2023-24 season will rightfully battle it out in Friday’s Sunraysia women’s cricket grand final.
Out of 30 games between both sides, just three losses have occurred — a stark comparison to the rest of the competition.
Mildura West, who finished first, have been the most rounded team in the competition and have been particularly devastating with the ball.
Led by 16 wickets apiece from Demi Zanoni and Tara Martin, they have allowed opposing teams to average just 44.93 runs per game.
Quick wickets has meant that batters haven’t needed to score big to win — a possible factor in why they aren’t the competition’s highest-run-scoring team as well.
However, their opponent this weekend, Coomealla Point, have proven able to rival West’s prowess with the bat.
Due to her ability to stay at the crease, Coomealla Point captain Katelin Kemp is currently averaging 155.5 runs for the season.
At a total of 311 runs for the summer, Kemp has gone out only twice.
Meanwhile, Eadie Neagle has also had a strong season, scoring 237 runs at an average of 47.4 — the third highest in the competition.
In their last match-up in round 12, Coomella Point chased down West’s total of 84 in 16.3 overs, handing them their only loss for the season.
West captain Breanna Smith said her team played with eight in that match so this time should be different.
“Going into this one, we’re feeling good,” Smith said.
“There’s a good vibe around the group.
“Look, we’ve had a great season finishing on top, but you never know what happens when it comes to finals, but I think we’re feeling pretty confident we’ll play at least play at our best.”
When asked about the impact of Kemp and Neagle, Smith kept her answer simple.
“I think if anyone is consistently making runs, they’re the ones you want to get out early or at least not let do too much damage,” Smith said.
“We’ll do what we’ve been doing all season: start with our strongest bowlers and just make sure our field is on from the get-go.”
Meanwhile, Coomealla Point will be out to show that they can beat a stronger West squad than in their previous meeting.
“If everyone continues to play like they have been, I think it’ll be a close match,” Kemp said.
“We’ve got to keep working as a team, make sure everyone does their part, stay excited and back each other like we have all season.”
In their first season as a collective after previously playing under Coomealla Wenthworth and Nichols Point, Kemp said it would be special to go all the way.
“We were two separate teams playing against each other for however long the competition has been going,” she said.
“If we were going to merge with anyone, we were really happy it was them because we always had such a great time playing against each other.”
Kemp said the comradery had grown as the season had progressed.
The grand final match-up between Mildura West and Coomealla Point will commence at 5.30pm Friday at John Hall Oval.
