WESTERN Waves are one win away from an under 14 female state championship.
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The Grace Lee-led team will play in the Youth Premier League grand final in Melbourne on Thursday, having gone undefeated in its seven preliminary matches.
The Waves recorded a two-run win over Barwon Rockets and a five-wicket victory against Central Highlanders in a twenty20 double-header on Wednesday to book their spot in the decider.
Lee said the team deserved its spot against Inner East Emus.
“A few of the kids have been in the (pathway) system for a few years and it’s nice to see them have success,” she said.
“The work at club and regional level is being shown at this level.”
Lee said it had been a whole-of-team effort with captains Maddie Green (Port Fairy) and Jorja Couch (Wesley-CBC) leading by example.
She said Heytesbury Rebels’ Milly Illingworth had performed strongly with the bat, retiring in five innings, and praised spinners Ebony Woods (Heytesbury Rebels) and Ruby Couch (Nestles).
Other south-west players Charlotte Poyner, Grace Schrama, Tess Worrall and Steph Rea have also impressed the coach.
“Hannah Rooke (from Brierly) has been a little superstar,” Lee said.
“She nearly had a hat-trick and has opened the batting and opened the bowling.”
Meanwhile, the Waves’ under 17 female side is still in the hunt for a grand final berth entering its final pool game on Thursday.
The Waves dominated Barwon Rockets on Wednesday, making 3-328 in their 160-run victory.
Mount Gambier’s Chloe McKenzie (100), Grampians’ Jess Field (72) and Hamilton’s Ruby Lang (62) starred with the bat and Mortlake’s Taylah Casson took 3-23, taking her YPL tally to 12 wickets.
“It was incredible and really good to sit back and watch,” coach Maddi Tobias said.
Tobias said Casson was “so reliable”.
“She’s opened every match for us and has been tight and consistent with her bowling,” she said.
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