Hanging Rock may not have come away with the trophy, but the girls were still winners in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s under-15 competition.
Playing in their first season, the Heelers girls went into the season keen to have a hit and a bit of fun, but they well and truly exceeded expectations, finishing second on the ladder and contesting Friday night’s grand final.
The Heelers made 8-64 from their 20 overs in the grand final, before Bacchus Marsh made 7-80 in reply to claim the title.
Hanging Rock is the smallest club in the GDCA with just one senior side, which plays in the lowest grade, and three junior sides, including the girls team.
It’s only the third season the club has had junior teams.
Heelers president Todd Place said they were all very excited to have the side make the grand final.
“It’s passed all our expectations,” he said.
“We tried to get a team up last season but only had four players so they played with the boys in the junior ranks.
“Most of the girls hadn’t played before and they’ve been stars all year.
“We only had five girls at the beginning. Now we have nine. They’re such a tight-knit group.”
The grand final caps off a good season for the girls, with four players representing the association.
Place said the club, which was formerly known as Hesket, was in a good spot going forward.
“The club is going well financially and we’ve got a new pitch and work is being done on the club rooms so the girls have their own area.
“Hopefully we can have some more junior teams next season.”
Overall, it’s been a mixed season for the Heelers.
The club’s senior side had an outright win against St Anthonys over the past two weekends.
