Sporting history will be made this Sunday when two Penrith women’s cricket teams chase Premiership glory.
For the first time in Penrith Cricket Club history, the Lady Cats have roared into two NSW Women’s Premier Cricket Grand Finals – First Grade and U18 Brewer Shield.
Both sides qualified for their respective deciders after commanding wins in their semi-finals last weekend. Penrith’s first grade side were too good for St George-Sutherland at Howell Oval, while the club’s Brewer Shield team took care of business against Minor Premiers Sydney at Birchgrove Oval.
Speaking with the Weekender, first grade women’s coach Ron Woods said it was a monumental occasion to have two teams playing on Grand Final Day.
“It’s huge… massive in fact,” he said.
“The amount of text messages I’ve received this morning range from current players to female players that played here a very long time ago when they first started.
“We haven’t won a women’s first grade title before, but I hope we can make some history on Sunday.”
Woods has been in charge of Penrith’s first grade side since switching from Parramatta prior to the 2019/20 season. He said his current line-up were mighty impressive during last Sunday’s monster 42-run win over St George-Sutherland.
“The current team, led by Sammy Arnold and Rebecca Cady, are a real team of girls who want to really work hard for each other, and we proved that yesterday,” Woods said.
“The bowling was tremendous; the fielding was great. St George couldn’t score; they just couldn’t get on a roll… it was a great cricket match to watch.”
Penrith will look to win their maiden first grade women’s title when they take on Sydney this Sunday at Drummoyne Oval. It’s predicted to be a tough match for the Lady Cats, up against a side who have tasted defeat just once all season.
Penrith’s Brewer Shield team will also go into their Grand Final on Sunday as underdogs against St George-Sutherland. If the Lady Cats do manage to get up, it will be their first U18’s title since 2011/12.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.