THE Hamilton and District Women’s Cricket Association premiers have been crowned with Grampians going back-to-back, winning the A grade title, while Byaduk claimed the B grade premiership at Dahl Turf on Sunday.

Grampians set about claiming the win after being sent into the field first by Macarthur after losing the toss, with a couple of early wickets leaving the Demons struggling early at 2-15.

Ashley Brilley’s 21-not-out, along with 11 runs from both Laura Addinsall and Josie Barker was instrumental in pushing the total beyond 50, as the scoring rate failed to accelerate, with the Pumas able to restrict Macarthur to 6-65 after 16 overs.

It was a strong performance from the Pumas co-captains, with both Ella Jackson (three wickets) and Matilda Potter (two wickets) leading from the front.

The run chase followed with Grace and Matilda Potter padding up to open Grampians’ innings.

It was an aggressive start from the pair, with the pair striking at the mid-80s, guiding the Pumas to victory in the 11th over to win by 10 wickets.

Matilda finished unbeaten on 31 to claim the Gail McGregor Medal as player of the match, while Grace finished on 23-not-out.

Jackson said it was a special feeling to win a second consecutive A grade premiership.

“Just amazing, we play so well together, we have such good vibes, we have so much fun and the win just tops it off,” she said.

“There is always that pressure, but we actually come together quite well.

“We just told the girls (before the run chase) to ‘take your time, you’ve got the overs and play how we usually do’.

“Coming back and doing it again, our team has changed a bit from last year, it just shows we are still a very strong team together.

“Everyone has improved so much this year and I’m proud of them all.”

The two teams reached Sunday’s final after winning Friday night’s semi-finals, with Grampians accounting for Tarrington at Dunkeld Turf, while Macarthur defeated Pigeon Ponds at Macarthur Recreation Reserve.

The Pumas batted first and made 2-131, thanks to 36 retired-not-out from Grace and 35 retired-not-out from Matilda, with the Tigers restricted to 4-95 after 16 overs, with Grace collecting two wickets.

Macarthur’s 139 runs were enough to see them win the semi-final, with Leah Drendel smashing 37 retired-not-out from 10 balls, while Brilley finished unbeaten on 34.

Pigeon Ponds’ Claire Widdicombe grabbed two wickets and followed that up with 35 retired-not-out, with Georgina Templeton’s 18-not-out the next best, as Ponds was kept to 3-109 at stumps.

B grade

DUE to a semi-final forfeit from St Andrew’s, no semi-finals were needed with Byaduk and Hamilton facing off in the decider, prior to the A grade grand final on Sunday.

The decider saw Hamilton win the toss and bat first, as Casey Walker (12), Sophie Walker (30) and Olivia Hardy (10-not-out) guided the Blues to 4-67 after 16 overs.

Xar Christie-Hill finished with two wickets for the Ducks, while Ros Thatcher grabbed one in support.

Byaduk’s run chase started positively, with Emily Huglin (nine) and Katelyn Millard (19) got the runs flowing, with Thatcher’s 10-not-out guiding the Ducks to victory in 13 overs, winning with five wickets in hand.

Julia Shaw grabbed two wickets for Hamilton, while Sophie Walker, Arliah Buck and Casey Walker grabbed one wicket each.

Millard was named the player of the match.