Sport
13 March, 2026
Junior Eels do it again
NORTH Warrnambool Eels’ under 14 girls cricketers have celebrated back-to-back premierships.
In what has been a fantastic two years for the team, the Eels last month defeated Northern Raiders by an impressive 70 runs.
The Raiders won the toss and elected to bat, finishing their 20 overs on 111.
Isabel McGinness led the wicket takers for the Eels, taking 2/9 from her three overs while wickets also fell for Zali Mullen 1/8 and Nellie Sheen 1/16.
McGinness (later named Player of the Match) also led her side with the bat, making an unbeaten 27 runs from 17 balls, including one six and two fours.
She was well supported by team-mates Millicent Brunt (26 ret), Taylor Jansen (30 not out), Zali Mullen (21), Nellie Sheen (7 not out), Charlotte Van De Camp (8 ret) and Shayla Chatfield (4).
The Eels finished their 20 overs on 181 runs.
“At the start of the season we got the girls together and spoke about what we wanted to achieve as a team and as individuals,” coach Dave McGinness said.
“As coach I’ve been very lucky to have such a great group of girls who really enjoy playing cricket; it’s been a fantastic two years for this team.
“We set our goals early and worked towards them; the rest is history.”
McGinness said to win a premiership was “a special moment,” but to win back-to-back was incredible.
“Our assistant coach, Rebecca Moody, also played a part in our team’s success. Having Bec on board gave our girls someone to relate to more easily, and someone who has played a fair amount of cricket in our club’s women’s team,” he said.
“I also thank the parents who gave up their time to help with the scoring and other jobs that helped our team throughout the season.
“We played the season without losing a game (there was an abandoned game due to extreme weather, another called off half way through due to rain and another when the other team forfeited).
“To end the season as premiers and to win back to back flags is absolutely fantastic for our girls and our club.”
