Kyabram’s B-grade women’s team etched its name in the Goulburn Murray Cricket history books after claiming a thrilling four-wicket win over Echuca in the grand final on Sunday.
Needing to surpass Echuca’s first innings total of 5-98 for victory, crucial knocks from Sarah Dodd and Breanna Baker helped power the Redbacks to 4-100 with one over to spare at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
The win not only secured the premiership trophy for Kyabram, but it capped off an undefeated season as well.
“Having a go in a big grand final like that, especially after an undefeated season, it is definitely an awesome feeling,” Redbacks skipper Emma Roberts said.
“To come away with the big win is a massive achievement for us. There are a lot of girls in our side who have stuck in this competition for the last few years, and also some really new additions as well, and I think it goes to show the effort that we have put in at training and building up our skills was really proven in Sunday’s game.
“Maybe it wasn’t our most polished match, but we put in the hard yards where it counted at the end and we were able to come away with the win.”
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Charging in: Kyabram's Breanna Baker builds up a head of steam as she comes in to bowl. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 3
Jubilation: Kyabram players celebrating a wicket during their grand final victory on Sunday. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 3
Safe hands: Redbacks wicketkeeper Melissa Parsons took a catch behind the stumps for Kyabram against Echuca. Photo by Aydin PayneRoberts said her side was aiming to keep Echuca’s total under 100, something it managed to do as its opponents were limited to 5-98 off its 20 overs.
Dodd and Baker then lead the charge for the Redbacks, steering them to a memorable victory.
Dodd strode to the crease with Kyabram at 1-4, making a key 27 runs before she was eventually out bowled.
Baker was able to pick up where her teammate left off, blasting a match-winning 34 not out from 21 deliveries, including the boundary that clinched victory.
“Those girls are awesome every week. They always make huge runs for us, so its great to have that,” Roberts said.
“We usually have pretty good depth in our batting order, but we can always count on those two to bring it home for us and they definitely did that on the weekend.”
THE GAME
Echuca 5-98 (Grace Riddell 14 retired, Mia Arthurson 13 retired, Micaela Herbert 1-9) lt Kyabram 4-100 (Breanna Baker 34 not out, Sarah Dodd 27, Zoe Cook 1-9)