Mooroopna denied perfect debut season as Echuca Green snags Goulburn Murray women’s cricket title

The nine-wicket triumph denied Mooroopna what would have been a fairytale unbeaten inaugural season in the league, with Green opener Maisy Byrne judged best afield for her 33 with three fours.

Mooroopna put on the first score and started brightly enough, flying out to 2-64 at the drinks break in hot conditions at Tongala Recreation Reserve.

However, disaster unfolded with the next play as Lauren Hall was run out in a mix-up with Gemma Boyd, who retired on the same ball.

From there, Echuca Green’s bowlers flexed their might and maintained a firm foothold on the contest, as the Cats found themselves bowled out for the first time in the competition.

It was a premiership won the hard way, after Echuca Green’s qualifying final defeat to the Cats meant having to play through two cut-throat finals the previous weekend under the scorching Nathalia sun.

Jessica Cox led the way with 3-12 from four stellar overs, having a hand in a run out to boot as Green prepared to chase 94 for victory.

Gillian Noelker and Maisy Byrne had plenty of time to lay the foundations for a comfortable victory and did so in each retiring not out either side of the drinks break.

A late run out on Cox did little to dissuade the inevitable celebrations as Chloe Moyle sealed the deal for Echuca Green with 23 balls to spare.

Post-match, Green coach Jamie Logie was ecstatic with another premiership triumph.

“It’s unreal. I’m very proud of them,” Logie said.

“They worked so hard and the progress was awesome. They represented the club really well.

“I want to give a thank you to Mooroopna as well. Having competition like that makes the girls all want to get better.”

To that point, Logie spoke of growth in women’s cricket participation as well as quality within the Goulburn Murray region, fostering a more broadly competitive environment.

“In our rural region, women’s cricket is getting stronger,” Logie said.

“They’re improving and they want to be part of it more.

“Our association runs a really good league, so it’s awesome for them.”

Logie paid tribute to the emerging youth within his side, highlighting the social aspect that brings more women and girls to the game.

“A lot of the women in our teams have experience and our junior girls coming up represent well,” Logie said.

“Many of them play at places like Plenty Valley and they’re 14 or 15, just getting better each week.

“A lot of them played with their friends and that made it more enjoyable.

“I couldn’t be prouder.”