Geelong women’s side set to play premier first cricket next season, expects finals

Geelong coach Stephen Field believes the Cats are destined to compete for a finals berth in their first season in premier firsts’ cricket.

Picture: Alan Barber

GEELONG women’s coach Stephen Field believes his side has what it takes to push for finals in a historic first season at the premier firsts level.

The Cats won the seconds’ grand final against Melbourne, dominating with the bat to chase down the total of 165 to claim victory by eight wickets.

Field said the continual growth within the group was enough to have the promoted side gunning for finals in 2023.

“We’re taking a lot of confidence out of this season to take into next year,” he said.

“We won’t have much personnel change for next year, we’re quite limited because of the points restrictions that are in place, but our growth and development of players really excites us.

“Speaking to other clubs throughout the season, they all were saying that we’d be beating some of the lower sides in the firsts’ competition, who knows when we’re there but it does give us a bit of confidence.

“We’re aiming to be around the finals mark, and who knows when you make it what will happen but we’re really excited at the chance of challenging teams.”

Geelong's Steph Townsend was named the player of the match in the grand final. Picture: Alan Barber

Stephanie Townsend and Meera Patel dominated with the bat for Geelong, putting on a 149-run partnership to steer the side to victory, while Jessica Field was the Cats’ best bowler with 1-21 off nine overs.

The Cats did not concede a run until the sixth over of the match, and conceded just 14 runs in the first 11 overs.

Field said he was “extraordinarily proud” of his side.

“The game really came together for us straight away,” he said.

“It was a pretty good wicket and the outfield was small and fast, but our first 15 overs really set the standard for the rest of the day.

“To only score 24 runs in the first 15 overs of the match gave us a really good start, our bowling was excellent but our fielding was outstanding as well.

“The pressure we created helped lead to the run out chances we had, some were very opportune and impressive efforts in the field, but it started with out great pressure.”

Originally published as Geelong women’s side set to play premier first cricket next season, expects finals