By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh is through to a second straight Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s league grand final after a dominant bowling display on Sunday.
Having done the damage with the bat after Christmas, the Bulls got the job done with the ball in the semi final against Darley.
It was a repeat of last season’s grand final, but it was the Bulls that won through to make the decider again.
Coach Tomeka Fowlie said it was pretty exciting to be through to the grand final.
“I think the girls are pretty rapt,” she said. “I wasn’t there last year, but being around the girls, the girls feel this one is a bit different.
“We have a better structure in the team this year and everyone knows what their role is.
“We’re fairly confident and will go in as favourites which is nice. The vibes are quite good.”
Darley won the toss at Maddingley Park and decided to bat first.
The Bulls had batted first in every game since Christmas and scored more than 200 in three of the four matches, with the other match rain affected.
“We were a bit scared to bowl first,” she said. “I’ve won every toss this season, the only time I’ve lost is against Darley three times.
“They sent us in to bowl well. We knew we had the bowling side to do it. We kept persisting with line and length like we had spoken about at training.
“We bowled in pairs and partnerships. Everyone did well.”
The Lions, who were without star bat Kim Bessell, were bowled out for 8-69 in the 20th over.
Emily Kennedy took three wickets, while Danielle Nankervis and Lauren Majewski took two wickets each.
Fowlie said it was tricky at times after rain fell, but everyone stepped up and played their role.
Fowlie said they knew there was two ways in which they could get the runs, get them as quickly as possible or take their time.
She said they settled somewhere in the middle.
“The two sisters [Ashley Gillard and Sarah Bamford] lead from the front and then I will come in if needed.
“We got it done.”
The Bulls finished 2-70 off 9.4 overs Gillard finished 33 not out.
Fowlie said it was good for the side to win in a different way and not just putting big scores on the board.
The Bulls will host Macedon in the grand final on Sunday. The Cats beat Gisborne in the other semi final.
The Cats will be going for their third premiership.
Fowlie said it was huge for the club to be able to host the match and they were hoping there would be a big crowd there.
She said Macedon would give them a big challenge.
“It’ll be a good fight for both of us and we’ll see who comes out on top.”
