Brunswick Park and EMP clash in T20 Final

It will be the first time since 2009-10 that the two sides have played off for silverware with the Parkers and Bombers both boasting strong line-ups.

Fresh off a successful World Cup campaign with the Southern Stars, Elyse Villani will be a key player at the top of the order, alongside opening partner, and captain, Emma Inglis.

Brunswick Park’s bowling attack will be led by Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit quick Kathleen Hempenstall and in-form pairing Jess Kile and Tammy Norquay.

In Sunday’s last double-header of Twenty20 preliminary matches, 21-year-old Kile claimed a hat-trick in her spell of 6-11, while Norquay picked up 5-3.

Brunswick Park skipper Inglis said that the bowlers made the most of favourable conditions.

“They were bowler friendly wickets and Jess and Tammy were able to use that to their advantage,” Inglis said.

“Hopefully they can take that confidence in to this week.”

The Bombers will be looking for their experienced finals performers to stand up again with VicSpirit players Emma Kearney, Molly Strano, Emily McIntyre, Kristen Beams and Cassie Brock all hitting form at the business end of the season.

Young wicket-keeper Emily Smith has given the EMP side more depth since her return from the Victorian Under-18 side last month and impressed with 29 (27) opening the batting against Dandenong at the weekend.

Inglis knows defeating the Bombers will be no easy task.

“They have made the T20 Final every year and have only lost three matches in four seasons,” Inglis said.

“It should be a really good contest.”

The Premier Firsts T20 Final will be played at Dandenong Women’s Cricket Club, Greaves Reserve, Dandenong, and will commence at 2.30pm.

The Premier Seconds T20 Final between Napoleons/Sebastopol and Brighton District will precede the clash between Brunswick Park and Essendon Maribyrnong Park at 11am.