Rosedale-Kilmany Cricket Club is the 2025–26 Sale-Maffra Cricket Association women’s premiers after defeating minor premier Longford by five wickets in a hard-fought grand final at Stephenson Park last week.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Longford was restricted to 7/51 from its 20 overs. Opener Nicola Thatcher (15) and Charlotte Aylmore (16) provided the main resistance, but scoring proved difficult against a disciplined Rosedale-Kilmany attack.
The bowling unit did an outstanding job containing the usually free-scoring Lizards. Olivia Spears was superb with the new ball, claiming 2/2 from four overs, while Regan Leeson was economical, finishing with 0/7 from her four overs. Grace Perkins and Zoe Hustwayte also took wickets, and sharp fielding resulted in three run-outs.
Rosedale-Kilmany’s chase began shakily at 3/7, but skipper Kirrily Bruce steadied the innings with a composed 25. With support from Hustwayte, who finished unbeaten on 11, the side worked its way out of trouble to secure victory with 14 balls to spare.
Aylmore was named player of the match after a superb spell of 4/4 from four overs. Unfortunately for Longford, her efforts were not enough to deliver the premiership.
