ECA: Hawthorn win women’s premiership, maintain Wright Shield status

Hawthorn’s weekend had it all — a premiership, a relegation decider and an all-time high for finals appearances. Here’s how they did it.

Hawthorn’s historic Eastern Cricket Association season is only getting better.

By the end of the weekend, the club’s first XI had maintained its place in the Wright Shield for next season.

And the number of teams competing or to have competed in finals series rose to seven.

The Wright Shield team was able to get celebrations underway after holding on for a thrilling three-wicket win over Surrey Hills.

Edinburgh’s loss to Deepdene Bears meant Hawthorn will remain in the ECA’s second tier.

Hawthorn was able to put itself in a strong position for a run chase after bowling Surrey Hills out for just 79 led by Nigel Van Der Wert (3-14) and star recruit Sam Shearer (3-25).

Meanwhile Michael Dower (2-21) narrowly missed out on a hat-trick.

In response, Scott Caulfield was able to hold the run chase together with 34 runs from 38 balls despite wickets continuing to fall around him.

Hawthorn coach Channa Gunawardana has hailed the performance of his side to maintain its Wright Shield status for next season. Photo: Twitter.

Hawthorn senior coach Channa Gunawardana described the game as “nail biting” but said his team deserved plenty of credit.

“Nigel and Sam really got things going for us and were able to make the most of the wet conditions,” he said.

“Then Scott batted well and was really positive about his innings and I think that made a massive difference in us coming away with a win.”

Gunawardana also revealed captain Robert Ryan had been “inspirational” in the lead up to the game.

He said Ryan led preparations of the ground the night before to ensure the game could be played.

“Ryan was terrific in ensuring the ground was covered as much as possible,” he said.

“We had to get covers from other grounds to keep it in a playable condition but that shows the commitment of our group.

“Considering a game on Sunday was called off on the same ground it showed how hard they worked.”

Hawthorn's women's team celebrates its premiership. Photo: Twitter.

Hawthorn’s women’s side capped off the weekend after taking out the Inner East Social Women’s competition against Koonung Heights.

Steph Chong was named the player of the game after scoring 24 runs off 27 balls to lead her side to 7-116.

Veena Vincent finished with 2-9 to help restrict Heights to 6-60 and give Hawthorn a 59-run win.

Meanwhile, Gunawardana himself has scored a historic number of runs this season with 884 from 14 innings across the G Turf and Veterans Division 3 competitions.

His form saw him surpass club legend Jon Kozeniauskas’ ’ effort of 853 runs in the 1997-98 season.

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