NSW Women’s Premier Cricket: Blistering double century propels Greater Hunter to maiden Brewer Shield title

With the U18s Brewer Shield title up for grabs, Greater Hunter young gun Caoimhe Bray stamped her class, blasting a remarkable double century in an emphatic grand final victory. FULL WRAP.

When Manly Warringah headed north to tackle Greater Hunter in the under-18s Brewer Shield grand final, they knew the blazing bat of Caoimhe Bray was their biggest obstacle.

And after chasing leather for the best part of 50 overs, it must’ve seemed like the size of a barn door by the time the 14-year-old departed for 202 from just 134 deliveries.

The onslaught proved too much for Manly, who in pursuit of 8/295 at Townson Oval folded for 96 as Greater Hunter marched to its maiden title in just their second season in the Sydney based competition.

Early on it was all Manly. After removing both openers with the score on 10, they had a golden opportunity to pick up the prized scalp of Bray, but from there it was all one-way traffic.

Skipper Felicity Wharton (35 off 77) provided solid support in a stand of 143 before Bray climbed into the attack during the final stages in a knock that included 22 fours and 11 sixes.

Caoimhe Bray is all smiles after guiding Greater Hunter to premiership glory. Picture: Andrew McCrae

It was Bray’s third straight century and saw the junior NSW rep finish the season with 955 runs at 68.2, more than 400 clear of the next best.

For coach Chris Wharton, the availability of the multi-talented Bray shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“It was an amazing performance, especially given she spent all of last week at a junior Matildas football training camp,” said Warton.

“She was steady early and reached her first 50 off 60-odd balls, her second and third fifties came off 25 and 33. Then she launched the last off 16, and I was worried my car might finish in the firing line.”

Greater Hunter Coast celebrate with the Brewer Shield. Picture: Andrew McCrae

Despite the onslaught, the Manly players could do little but pay their respect.

“The Manly girls played the game in great spirit,” said Wharton.

“They applauded each milestone and afterwards many wanted a photograph with Caoimhe because they believe she’ll go on and play for Australia.”

For Newcastle cricket, it’s a victory that will be long remembered and one that shines a light on a bigger picture.

“Hosting the final meant plenty of local fans could attend, and it was great to see lots of junior girls in attendance as we continue to develop our local pathways program,” he said.

“To win the title in our second year inspires so many people, and all going well the club will field a second grade side in the Sydney senior competition next season.

“Ideally, we’d like to field a first grade team down the track meaning our local talent can remain with friends and family and not relocate to Sydney to advance their cricket.”