The Under 14 Gisborne Green girls claimed the title on the final day of the Wendy Gray Shield tournament at Kyneton on Sunday.
Warm and sunny weather saw the Gisborne, Castlemaine and Maryborough Cricket Associations visit Kyneton Showgrounds for the play offs.
The unfortunate passing overnight of cricket administrator Rob McIntyre saw the day begin with a minute’s silence. Rob was a great advocate for girls and woman’s cricket and would have been very pleased with the talent, skills and effort shown on the day.
The third and final round robin matches of Gisborne Green hosting Maryborough and Gisborne White playing Castlemaine determined the finalists.
Being sent in, Green posted 3-102 with Ruby Shinn-Mahony 30 retired not out, Freya Dodd 25 not out and Lucinda Gray 24 batting superbly.
Maryborough in reply were dismissed for 41 with Dodd three wickets and Lara Vecchie and Samantha du Kamp both getting two wickets.
In the other round three match, Gisborne White asked Castlemaine to bat and the visitors made 7-54. Luna Petrucci made 13 while Indigo Shanahan and Ashleigh Cross both took two wickets.
Green in reply posted 5-98. Skye Francis 23 runs off 36 balls Rosie Maguigan 13 retired off 14 balls were the leading scorers while Ella Cook took one wicket for three with three run outs for Castlemaine.
This saw both Gisborne teams scheduled to play each other in the final. Gisborne White won the toss and elected to bat.
Lily Malone 16 off 30 balls and Breanne Lane 21 of 42 balls were the stalwarts of White putting on a good platform, but the Green bowlers fought back to restrict White to 8-84 from their 20 overs.
Shinn-Mahony 3-6 off 2.3 overs and Gray 2-13 from her two overs were the pick of the bowlers with Dodd, Quinn Barnett and Sienna Ranson each taking one apiece.
A 58-run opening partnership between Gray 31 retired off 43 balls and Shinn-Mahony 21 not out saw the Green march towards victory.
Barnett 15 not out off 22 hit the winning runs with 13 balls spare.
For White, Shanahan took the wicket with Green winning 2-88 off 17.5 overs.
In the battle for third and fourth Maryborough 2-66 defeated Castlemaine 3-47.
Ron Jennings, Central Highlands chairman, thanked all those in attendance and congratulated all players for their efforts on such a warm day. The skills shown reflect the time, hard work and dedication these young girls put into improving their game.
Special thanks must go to Kyneton Cricket Club for hosting both weekends, the GDCA umpires for offering their time and Sophie McLeod for her photography through the whole of the GDCA representative season.
Gisborne Green’s Quinn Barnett in action. 
Emersyn Castle and Rosie Maguigan pictured during their innings. 
A victorious Gisborne Green with the Wendy Gray Shield. 
Castlemaine players. 
Gisborne Green and Gisborne White players. Photos: Sophie McLeod
