Essendon Maribyrnong Park secures place in Premier Cricket Women’s final

Led by captain Makinley Blows and a pair of 14-year-olds, Essendon Maribyrnong Park progressed to the Premier Cricket Women’s grand final.

Essendon Maribyrnong Park coach George Shaw lauded his club’s young talent as it secured a place in the Premier Cricket Women’s grand final.

A dominant eight-wicket win over Carlton sees the Bombers progress to the final for the first time since 2019-20, which was called off due to the arrival of COVID and EMP declared premiers.

Captain Makinley Blows was outstanding in the win, claiming 2-15 with the ball before top-scoring with 65 not out to guide her team to victory.

Blows and vice-captain Alyssa Humphries (56) combined for a 106-run opening partnership as EMP chased down the Blues’ 166 in just 32 overs.

“We were well led by Makinley, her knowledge of the game and ability to use our players to the best of their ability is fantastic,” Shaw said.

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“She teaches the game really well and her skill set, she should have bowled longer and then went out and bowled beautifully. The first five or six overs she and Alyssa batted the house down.”

While Blows and Humphries showed their class, it was the contributions from the Bombers youngsters that most pleased Shaw.

Having celebrated her 14th birthday during the week, Ira Aery opened the bowling and tore through Carlton to finish with match-best figures of 4-27.

Fellow 14-year-old Mia Gordon was with Blows when the winning runs were scored and finished 25 not out, while 17-year-old Hannah Rooke claimed 2-18.

At just 21 Katia Jomini was the leading wicket-taker in the competition and took 1-29, while at 18, Tia Davidge is one of the state’s leading wicketkeeper prospects.

“Ira put her hand up, she’s turned 14 during the week and was very, very good,” Shaw said.

Milly Illingworth could return for the Premier Cricket Women’s grand final.

“She was 13 last game, Mia Gordon is just 14, Ruby Gibson is 15, Hannah Rooke is, I think, 17, Grace Jones has just turned 18 and Tia Davidge is 18 as well and that’s not including Molly Illingworth who’s 17.

“We’re fortunate that these young girls are very good, I don’t look at age, I look at ability.

“They don’t care – if that’s the right word – they’re not fazed by who they’re batting or bowling against. That’s the beauty of youth.

“They just go out and play, they’re not scared and just take the game on.”

Maryam Omar was Carlton’s top scorer with 31 from 31 balls and took 1-14.

The Blues will now play Melbourne in the preliminary final for a place in the grand final after the Demons scored a thrilling 14-run win over Box Hill.

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Essendon Maribyrnong Park could be strengthened by the return of four experienced players for the grand final.

Sam Bates and 17-year-old quick Milly Illingworth missed the semi-final win due to Victoria duties, while Chloe Rafferty was playing with ACT.

Emily Smith could also return after being a late withdrawal on the morning of the match due to injury.

The grand final will be played at the Junction Oval on March 5.