First premiers crowned in local cricket

LOCAL cricket’s first premiers of the 2023-24 season have been confirmed following four terrific Grand Final contests in the Barwon Women Cricket Competition last weekend.

Jan Juc overcame Waurn Ponds Deakin to claim its maiden women’s premiership after an exemplary performance from openers captain Georgie Fogarty (31 not out) and Sasha Peers (33 not out), to claim a nine-wicket win at Armstrong Creek East Sports Precinct.

Jan Juc secured the D Grade premiership, chasing down Waurn Ponds Deakin’s 6/113, completing its season with 1/119 in just over 16 overs.

Another maiden premiership is going back to Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve, with Modewarre knocking over North Geelong to claim this season’s E Grade premiership.

It was another strong opening partnership by the premiers with skipper Louise Kahle (32 not out) and Kristy McInnes (30 not out) leading the way.

Modewarre captain Louise Kahle said it was the perfect way to finish her side’s undefeated season, despite the “nervous” start.

“A lot of hard work went into the season, and to top off the undefeated season with a win in the Grand Final was very well deserved for everyone.

“We had lots of support from the men’s sides at the ground as well and they all came back with us to the club to celebrate with us. It was really inclusive from both programs as we celebrated a big milestone for Modewarre Cricket Club.”

Capping off the day were Grand Final hosts Armstrong Creek, who secured back-to-back F Grade premierships in the BWCC with an eight-wicket win over St Joseph’s, 2/119 to 3/118.

Armstrong Creek’s Carrie Anderson (31 not out) and Georgia Clarke (30 not out) carried the attack on the bat, leading the Titans to the Grand Final win.

Anderson was also named best-on-ground for the second season in a row.

Newtown & Chilwell (2/124) were also successful, securing the C Grade premiership with an 11-run win over Bell Park (6/113) in Bannockburn.

The BWCC’s A Grade and B Grade premierships will be decided this Sunday, when St Joseph’s and North Geelong begin play at 1.30pm and Barrabool and Geelong City begin at 1pm.

Both games will be played at Winter Reserve.