TOP sides Mildura Settlers and Mildura West will go head-to-head on Friday for the Sunraysia Cricket Association Women’s premiership title.
With only two combined losses between the teams all season, both were heavy favourites in their respective semi-finals, however neither had it all their own way.
Reigning premiers West had to dig deep and with some economical late bowling they held off Coomealla Wentworth to record a four-run victory at John Hall Oval.
Batting first at home, West finished their 20 overs at 7/84 following a strong bowling performance from the Blues.
Demi Zanoni led the scoring with 31, while Blues captain Katelin Kemp and Jazmin Smith each took two wickets.
The final four overs proved extremely tense but West managed to take four wickets and concede just one run per over in that time to hold on for victory.
Tara Martin led the bowling for West with 2/8, while Zanoni grabbed the important wicket of Kemp for 15 early.
Imogen Smith was superb for Coomealla Wentworth with 31.
Setts meanwhile managed to hold off Nichols Point Gold to win by 56 runs at Mildura Senior College.
Captain and competition leading run scorer Shania McKinnon led the way for the home side with 45 retired, while Sarah Telfer also retired at 38 as Settlers finished at 5/128 from their 20 overs.
Brianna Bagnall continued her good second half of the season with an unbeaten 18, while Tatiana Kirirua-Gill was the best of the Point bowlers with 2/19.
In response Nichols Point were all out for 72, Teoi Kirirua-Gill the best of the batters with 17.
Jess de Tarczynski (3/13) and Bagnall (3/16) were great with the ball for Setts while Abbey Aldridge also took two wickets.
Friday’s grand final will begin at 5.30pm at Mildura Senior College.
