Cats suffer second straight grand final defeat

GEELONG’S Premier Women suffered a heartbreaking grand final defeat to Melbourne at the weekend, going down by nine wickets at Shepley Oval.

The Cats have now lost back-to-back grand finals, with an uncharacteristic top order collapse the catalyst in Saturday’s loss.

In near-perfect conditions, Melbourne won the toss and sent Geelong into bat and made a commanding start, taking four wickets in the first four overs to have the Cats at a horrific 4/1.

Jess Field, Mia Perrin, Noura Abdul Qader and captain Stephanie Townsend were all dismissed for ducks, putting their side on the back foot early.

From there, Geelong were able to steady, with Annie Taylor making a crucial unbeaten 74, but their early struggles led them to finish the innings all out for 130.

Melbourne then went in to chase the Cats down and did so in seamless fashion, only losing one wicket on their way to securing the premiership-sealing victory in the 31st over.

For the champions, Rhiann O’Donnell top scored with 59, whilst Kamya Mishra finished unbeaten on 49.

Geelong will be left wondering what could have been, after a dominant home and away season that saw them finish atop the ladder.

Despite the shattering loss, the Cats were able to celebrate some success as their Seconds and Thirds both claimed premierships last weekend.

Geelong’s Premier Men Thirds have progressed to the grand final and will face Melbourne this weekend, whilw the Seconds went down to Fitzroy Doncaster in a semi-final.