Sport - Year 8

Year 8 Girls' Cricket Eastern Region Premiers 2025

Having won the District Premiership Pennant against Ringwood on 14 March, our Year 8 Girls' enthusiastically approached the next level of competition, Eastern Region, on 29 October at Macleay Park, Balwyn North.

Our opponent in the Quarter Final was Balwyn HS. In our 15 overs we accumulated 95 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Captain Jassie F (25) and Dana S (21) lead the way, both retiring after their allocated overs. All 9 batters pleasingly added to the total.  In their chase, Balwyn’s middle order batters were difficult to dislodge, but the demise of their first 3 for only one run meant that their task was too great. Jada B was the pick of the bowlers with the figures of 4/5 off 3 overs. Jassie, Dana, Bonnie P and Emma L also took wickets.

Norwood 5/95 d. Balwyn 8/52.

We thus progressed to the Semi Final against Blackburn HS, who had experienced a bye in their Quarter. Batting first again, we were able to score quite quickly, and we were very happy with our total of 135 off 15 (9 per over). Batting at 5, Jada’s quick fire 18 off 11 (3 fours) was impressive. Retired batters, Jassie 28 (3 fours), Lottie W. 25 (3 fours), Dana 23 (4 fours) and Bonnie 14 were solid contributors to the team total. Emma and Chloe L were batting steadily when not out at the close.

The Blackburn girls found our tight bowling a challenge and although they gave their best, they were all out for 10 runs off 9 overs. Jas A and Chloe both captured their first wicket for the day, and Jada’s accuracy once again realised the laudable figures of 3/0 off 2.

Norwood 1/135 d. Blackburn 8/10.

As in this year’s Junior Girls footy, it was Lilydale HS who had to be overcome if the Eastern Region’s flag was bound for Byron Street.

Being informed that Lilydale’s Rep cricketer had cracked 6 consecutive fours in the final over to defeat Vermont in their Semi, there was no hint of complacency in our ranks, as we were sent into bat. Jassie set the scene with the first ball of the innings rapidly reaching the boundary. A confident partnership between Jassie and her fellow opener, Lottie, provided the required start, a combined 52 off the bat, before their compulsory retirements. Jassie’s 7 fours in 20 deliveries is no doubt testament to her selection over the off season in the Victorian Under 16 Emerging Players Program. Dana (5 fours) and Bonnie continued the advance, with Jada and Emma also substantially contributing, and Chloe, Jas and Amy B at the ready.

Realising that containing Lilydale’s gun batter was essential, our bowlers responded with 9 dot balls off her 20 faced and a restriction to 5 fours. All 9 bowlers played their part, with Amy claiming a wicket with her first ball for the season. Our fielders were also focused and effective. Two catches to Lottie, one each to Jas and Jassie, and a classic rocket arm from Jassie at mid-wicket to keeper Lottie complemented our bowling.

Norwood 1/137 d Lilydale 5/63.

We now look forward to the challenge of the State Quarter Final against Cathedral College, Wangaratta. This is the same school who played against us last year as Year 7s.

We will need to leave Norwood at 7.30 am for Wangaratta. Hopefully it is not as hot and the bus has air con this year!

Congratulations on being Eastern Region Premiers and best wishes for the State Competition.