Goulburn Murray women’s cricket ushered in its 2023-24 finals series at the weekend and each contest delivered superbly.
Nothing was definitively, concretely established until the bitter end across a frenetic trio of fixtures on Sunday, with Mooroopna and Echuca Green headlining the card.
All three games wound up with remarkably similar scorelines, but the action at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve took on many a momentum swing.
Staking an unbeaten season, the Cats stumbled out of the blocks batting first, with the dangerous Ebony Sleeth removed inside three overs.
The will Mooroopna had imposed many times on the scoreboard was fading until Amani Issell arrived and steadied the ship.
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Taking it in stride: Mooroopna's Bella Woods. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 9
Around the corner: Mooroopna's Kelsey McDonald. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 9
Glove work: Mooroopna's Gemma Boyd. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 9
Looking at mid-off: Echuca Green's Amy Cooper. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 9
Keenly awaiting: Mooroopna's Poppy Vandermeer. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 9
Back to the infield: Mooroopna's Kelsey McDonald. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 9
Working hard: Echuca Green's Maisy Byrne. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 9
Cut shot: Echuca Green's Gillian Noelker. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 9
So close: Echuca Green's Kate Carlile. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe Cats saved their best for last in an innings that featured just four boundaries, with an 11-run final over resulting in an at-least-manageable 5-96.
However, the bowling stocks took the opportunity to shine where the offence had not, with a masterfully restrictive display through Echuca Green’s first 10 overs.
The visitor found itself in the doldrums at 3-27 halfway through what looked like a gettable chase, but Sophie Douglas came to life with a stirring three-over spell that featured four boundaries to resurrect the contest.
Eventually clean bowled by Cats skipper Lauren Hall with more than eight an over still needed, Douglas’ dismissal all but assured the Cats would continue their quest for a perfect debut campaign.
Both elimination finals provided highly competitive affairs, with Nagambie and Shepparton United going down to the day’s 40th over.
As anticipated Mel Saunders and Kait Carracher put in the game-defining shifts to carry their sides forth.
Jamiesen Moore’s remarkable figures of 4-7 — including the crucial scalp of Carracher — deserved plenty of plaudits, though.
A 61-run stand for the second wicket in United’s chase appeared to render this one a foregone conclusion with a victory target of 98.
Still, despite Saunders’ best efforts (59 with seven fours), Nagambie’s bowlers brought United back to earth brilliantly.
Saunders would depart for the ninth wicket with two runs needed, but United went on to end the Lakers’ season in a thriller with four balls and a single pole to spare.
Katamatite and Kyabram fought tooth and nail as well in a do-or-die situation, with 25 wides mainly contributing to the Tigers’ eventual 4-89.
In the end, with eight needed for the Redbacks off the final over, a suspense-filled stanza that featured four extras and a wicket left Kyabram two runs short and going home.
As a result, an all-GV affair is set for Sunday morning as Mooroopna takes on Shepparton United with an automatic grand final place on the line.
Echuca Green must take the long way on its prospective path to the decider, meeting Katamatite in a cut-throat semi.
Both games will coincide on the ovals of Nathalia Showgrounds, with a scheduled 10am start.