PLACES in next week’s grand final are on the line as four teams are set to battle it out in the Sunraysia Cricket Association Women’s semi-finals on Friday.
While top two teams Mildura Settlers and Mildura West have been the standout sides all year, Coomealla Wentworth and Nichols Point Gold will also fancy their chances.
In a rematch of last year’s grand final, reigning premiers Mildura West are at home to Coomealla Wentworth at John Hall Oval.
Last year’s premiership play-off saw West take the title by 22 runs, with Breanna Smith, Demi Zanoni and Addison Bell all playing important roles in the victory.
Tara Martin has been a standout all season with 342 runs, alongside nine wickets to put her right in the frame for the Women’s MVP.
Zanoni has also been a gun all-rounder with 11 wickets and 198 runs, Bell is the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 16 scalps, Smith is second for runs at the club with 236 and has eight wickets, while Lorriane Lowerson and Sesha Achillingham have also put together some strong performances.
The Blues have flown up the ladder with some great form in the back half of the season, with reigning MVP Katelin Kemp leading the way.
The Coomealla Wentworth skipper has made 444 runs for the season and taken eight wickets, but has received plenty of help as well.
Adrienne Fielding has put together a strong bowling performance with 11 scalps, opener Megan Johnston has 1922 runs, Imogen Smith has taken nine scalps and made 142, while Tauta Rangirua has nine wickets as well.
Meanwhile, ladder leaders Mildura Settlers host Nichols Point Gold at Mildura Senior College.
Setts will take some momentum into the contest after defeating the same opponent by 10 wickets last week.
The Settlers’ top order is one of the strongest in the league, headlined by competition runs leader Shania McKinnon (446 runs), opening partner Sarah telfer (third with 389) and Ella Dingwall (212).
Telfer has also been impressive with the ball claiming 13 wickets, Jess de Tarczynski has nine, McKinnon eight and Dingwall seven. Abbey Aldridge has also put together a solid all-round campaign.
Eadie Neagle (245 runs including 40 retired not out last week) and Nancy Kirirua-Gill (208) as the main run scorers, with Teoi Kirirua-Gill (171) providing great support.
Recruit, Isabella Forrester has been fantastic with the ball, leading her side with 11 wickets, with Tatitana Kirirua-Gill (10), Neagle (eight) and Levaka-Hope Kirirura-Gill (seven) have all been impressive.
