East Sunbury is hoping to finish its inaugural season in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association women’s B-grade competition with a couple more wins.
The Thunder has one win on the board in year one and have shown massive growth across the side.
Thunder head coach Justin Nelson said the group had been quite amazing with what they had done this season.
“The girls are such a close-knit group,” he said. “Most of them have been back training with the men for weeks now.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of the girls yet.
“They are training so hard though so I’m confident their best is yet to come.”
The Thunder faced Lancefield, which sits undefeated, in the first game back after the break.
It was able to push the Tigers for a long period before falling short.
Nelson said this just adds to the group and what they want to achieve.
“They are just such a positive group of cricketers,” he said.
“They play for each other and drive each other to train harder; hopefully that comes through in their results post-Christmas.”
The Thunder faced Broadford on Sunday. The Thunder’s only win had come against Broadford and both teams were searching for their second win of the season.
This time Broadford was able to get the job done.
Broadford made 4-117 with Lauren De veth and Ellyse Xiberras the wicket takers for the Thunder.
After being in trouble at 2-4, the Thunder middle order rescued the innings.
It wasn’t enough, with the Thunder finishing 5-102.
Rhianna Kirk top scored with 45 not out.
The Thunder faces Melton Centrals this Sunday in the third last round. All four teams in the division will play finals.
Nelson said the group was excited for every game and he doesn’t think he’s ever seen a happier bunch of cricketers in his time as coach.
“Another win or two will really boost their confidence going into finals.”
In another boost for the Thunder program, Kirk was part of the GDCA women’s representative team that played on Wednesday night.
Most of the players in that side play in the A-grade competition.
“Rhiana is captain of the women’s football team at East Sunbury and she hadn’t played cricket in a long time but it didn’t take her long to pick it up again,” Nelson said.
“She’s even been playing in our second grade this year.”
Elsewhere, Lancefield suffered its first loss of the season, losing to Melton Centrals.
Melton Centrals made 6-85 and were able to restrict Lancefield to 4-80 in reply despite 51 retired from Molly Consiglio.
In the A-grade competition, Lancefield had a big win against Macedon and Bacchus Marsh suffered a second straight loss, beaten by Wallan.
Gisborne got the points after Kilmore forfeited.
The Dragons are now top of table with the results.
