A first Goulburn Murray Cricket grand final appearance awaits Shepparton United’s A-grade women’s side after it sealed two wins from two games at the weekend.
United left Central Park Recreation Reserve on Sunday with all points on offer after overcoming Bamawm-Lockington United and Echuca.
Shepparton’s big-hitter Mel Saunders came to the fore for her side on Sunday morning in its eight-wicket win over Echuca.
After toppling Echuca for 81, Saunders (21 not out) and Christina Roberts (19) forged a partnership which would steer their side to victory.
United A-grade coach Steve Williams said his batters had backed up a formidable display in the field in a tough game against an old rival.
“We fielded really well and kept it tight with the ball to restrict Echuca to 81,” Williams said.
“Echuca are always tough to beat and they’ve been our nemesis for three to four years now.”
Jamiesen Moore (4-8) brought the weekend to a close nicely for United and led the attack against BLU with a rip-roaring bowling display which knocked over its opponent for 69.
With the bat, United’s Saunders was in on the action once again and blasted an unbeaten 36 off 29 which was enough to get her side the choccies.
Cathy Dervish remained unbeaten on 18 off 22.
“She (Saunders) batted really well, they both did it smart, whenever they got a loose ball or bad ball they went whack, as they do every week,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, United’s B-grade outfit came close to its fourth win of the season in a 20-run loss to Echuca.
Williams said with an A-grade grand final appearance locked in for February 12, his side would be getting behind its B-grade side this weekend as it looks to book a finals place.
“The girls have really gelled well together this week, they’re getting back into it and it’s our second week back after Christmas,” Williams said.
“We’ve got a three-week break before the grand final, we’ll go support B-grade this weekend and hope they can get a win, if they make it to finals I reckon they’ll give it a good shake.“
News photographer Megan Fisher was at Central Park Recreation Reserve on Sunday and captured some of the action from United’s A-grade clash with Echuca.