Waratah to face Southern Districts in Women’s Div 1 grand final, Friday 5th
Red-hot underdogs Waratah have stunned two top teams to reach Friday's cricket final against Southern Districts, who boast the competition's most devastating batting duo. Details.
The final showdown of the women’s DDCC season is upon us as the Southern Districts C.C. and Waratah C.C. prepare to battle it out for Women’s Div. 1 glory this Friday night.
The 2024 champion and 2023 runner-up Waratah is looking to have a fairy-tale finish to its 2025 campaign after just scraping through into the post-season, having finished fourth on the ladder (5-10 record).
The Red Caps have wind in their sails after a comprehensive victory over top of the table Tracy at the weekend, and third placed Nightcliff in the knockout stages.
Victorian Premier Cricket import Alice Caldow will lead the charge for the Tahs, the all-rounder will be looking to replicate her match-winning performances that have come with both bat and ball in hand.
Experienced campaigners such as Monet Hunter, Julie Page, and Megan White have also played pivotal roles through the season and finals and will need to fire for Waratah if they are to have a chance at winning.
“We’ve faced our share of challenges, but I’m so proud of how we stuck together week in, week out even playing with just eight at times to pull off some big wins and earn our place in the finals,” Waratah captain Mellisa ‘Shorty’ Campbell said.
“This season has also been really special, with a few mums and daughters getting the chance to play alongside each other.
“The competition has been close, and every team has lifted from last year.
“I’m excited to take on Districts in the final - they’ve been strong contenders all season, and while we’re good mates off the field, once we step out there we’ll be fighting hard for the win.”
On the other side of the coin Southern Districts will be filled to the brim with self-belief, having downed the Tahs 3-0 through the regular season.
The Crocs, who finished their campaign second on the table, took the short route to the decider via an unexpected victory over the Village in the qualifier a fortnight ago.
Driven by the firepower of Vanuatu international Rachel Andrew (520 runs at 104) and reigning Women’s Cricketer of the Year Hannah Armstrong (485 runs at 44.09), the team has thrived on top-order stability and disciplined bowling.
Spearheading the attack, Sam Quinn has claimed 17 wickets at 18.82, regularly breaking partnerships and keeping opponents under pressure.
“Women’s cricket has elevated to a new level season,” NT Cricket’s head of clubs and competitions Karl Mayne said ahead of the final.
“Friday night’s grand final will showcase the incredible talent on display across both clubs.
“I encourage everyone in the Darwin sports community to come along and attend.”
KEY MATCHUPS
– Rachel Andrew (Districts) v Alice Caldow (Waratah): Two of the competition’s most damaging all rounders, both capable of turning the game.
– Sam Quinn (Districts) v Monet Hunter (Waratah): Quinn’s control and Hunter’s experience will be central to the middle overs battle.
MATCH DETAILS
– Date: Friday, September 5
– Time: 6pm to 9pm
– Venue: DXC #1, Marrara
Players to watch for U18, D-grade, Women’s Div. 1 and 2 finals
– 22 August 2025
Cricket finals are finally upon us.
While A, B and C grades as well as U12 and 15s are still in their regular season the rest of the DDCC will take to the ovals this weekend across the Top End.
We’ve taken a deep dive and chosen our players to watch for each of the finals.
See who made it from your team here.
*players listed are assumed to be playing
UNDER-18
Grand Final:Palmerston v Waratah
Ethan Mackenzie (Palmerston) – A great all around player that normally bats first drop, you can always back him scoring a handful at a sharp rate of knots, and snag a few with the ball.
Jack Snape (Palmerston) – One of the most reliable players across the DDCC, you can always bet on Snape scoring upwards of 20 and taking a minimum one wicket a match.
Arjumand Khan (Waratah) – The Red Caps top performing bowler of the regular season is going to have a tough job on his hands against a hard hitting Palmerston.
Saud Qudoos (Waratah) – The top order bat has been the Tah’s best through the regular season. If he fires, the Tah’s will have a chance.
WOMEN’S DIV. 1
Qualifying Final: Tracy Village v Southern Districts
Phoebe Murphy (Tracy) – The Village’s opener has been her team’s best with the bat all year. Expect Murphy to play a safe but efficient inning.
Joanna Pickett (Tracy) – The Village’s most potent with the Kookaburra is always a threat, however can go for a few extras.
Rachel Andrew (Districts) – The Croc’s ultimate weapon has been a menace with bat and ball all season. Andrew will likely open with bat and ball.
Hannah Armstrong (Districts) – The captain has been on fire atop the order all year. Alongside Andrew the duo will be very tough to contain.
Elimination Final:Nightcliff v Waratah
Kate Sherriff (Nightcliff) – The opening batter is one of, if not the most dangerous players in the competition. Expect Sherriff to find the rope multiple times an over.
Sophia Di Venuto (Nightcliff) – The opener and captain is a dual threat that can lead the charge or play a supporting role to Sherriff if required. The Tiger is also quite handy with Kookaburra in hand.
Monet Hunter (Waratah) – The Tah’s top opener through the season is a reliable boundary hitter that will more than likely get her side off to a hot start.
Alice Caldow (Waratah) – One of the top all-rounder’s in the competition, Caldow will play a big role on both sides of the ball.
WOMEN’S DIV. 2
Grand Final:Darwin v Tracy Village
Carley Melbourne (Tracy) – A bit hot and cold in terms of form, Melbourne is more than capable of going bang with the willow.
Rihanna-Frances Clark (Tracy) – The Village’s top all-rounder this season will be relied called upon to step up with the ball against a tough Darwin batting line-up.
Semaema Lomani (Darwin) – Hands down the best batter in Women’s 2 the opener will look to continue her phenomenal form opening the batting.
Jessica Shahu (Darwin) – A true all-rounder, Shau will likely open the batting alongside side partner in crime Lomani.
D-GRADE
Quarterfinals:
(1-4) Southern Districts Black v Southern Districts White
Shane Moon (Districts Black) – An opener with a lethal shot selection is guaranteed to make another big score.
Samuel Hayward (Districts Black) – With 29 wickets to his name through the regular season, Hayward is key to Back’s success.
Warwick Peter-Budge (Districts White) – Normally opening the batting for White, Perter-Budge has a safe approach that allows his teammates to play their shots at the other end.
Mitchell Townsend (Districts White) – White’s answer to Hayward, Townsend is his side’s most dependable and lethal with the Kookaburra.
(2-3) PINT Gold v Darwin
Manmeet Singh (PINT) – A very potent player with the ball in hand, Singh succeeding will be huge for PINT’s final push.
Varun Sudheer (PINT) – Having only played three games in D-grade this season – and with his other sides out of the finals – Sudheer will be a huge in, boasting scores of 160, 100 (n/o) and 50.
Aluthgamage Kumarajeewa (Darwin) – Averaging 61 with the bat, if Kumarajeewa gets his eye in, watch out.
Andrew Kelly (Darwin) – Kelly’s bowling has been a major reason for the Eagle’s success this season. Look for him to snag a few in tandem with Kane Hughes.
Elimination Finals:
(5-8) Nightcliff Gold v Tracy Village Gold
Lava kumar Bollineni (Nightcliff) – The opener is more than capable of playing fast or considered.
Satya Jyothi Babu Gutthula (Nightcliff) – The division’s most consistent with the ball took a five-fa the last time he faced the Village.
Abdul Bajwa (Tracy) – Fresh off a 138 opening the batting, the Villager is going to be crucial for a TV win.
Harpreet Singh (Tracy) – A bowling all-rounder, Singh has done his best work this year with the ball.
(6-7) Southern Districts Red v Tracy Village Red
Stuart Barker (Districts) – Averaging nearly 30 a match and pretty handy in the field, Barker is a player to watch.
Liam Pepper (Districts) – A very tidy bowler that’s strike rate is equally impressive, watch for Pepper to get into his work.
Tamoor Mirza (Tracy) – His side’s most consistent player, Mirza brings a lot to the team in addition to his batting.
Muhammad Owais Qureshi (Tracy) – Very dependable at the crease, Qureshi could give the Crocs some trouble.
Originally published as Waratah to face Southern Districts in Women’s Div 1 grand final, Friday 5th
