Tara Murray
Western Spirit players played the game of their lives to secure the under-15 girls Youth Premier League title.
Having been runners-up two years ago, the last time the event was run, the group went one better this year to secure the metropolitan-west region’s first girls state title.
The last time the Spirit won any title was the under-18 boys back in 2010, when it was still known at the state championships.
Coach Rob Ward said the group of girls had been sensational across the whole week.
“It was an honour to coach them,” he said.
“We thought we had a good team on paper. The talent was there along with the attitude and their approach to cricket and the commitment.
“We expected them to be ultra competitive. Six of the girls that were in the team that finished runners-up two years ago.
“We never expected to win a state title.”
Ward said the group started off the carnival well before a slump in the middle of the week. He said they got the playing group and the parents together and had a good chat after a mid-week loss.
“On the Wednesday afternoon we called in all the players and parents,” he said.
“We said if we continue to win we will make the final. If we lose we will have to rely on other results.
“We had a really good win on the Thursday against the Suns to get into the final.”
The final against the Breakers was played at Junction Oval, with Ward saying for many of the players it was quite an occasion to be playing on an international ground.
Rain delayed the start of the final, which Ward said was a blessing in the end.
The Spirit made 4-169 from their overs.
Captain Holly Nagpal made 73 not out at the top of the order, with Mia Gordon chipping in with 49.
The Breakers could only make 7-125 in return. Lou Lou Field took two wickets from the Spirit.
Nagpal was named player of the match.
It capped off a good week for Nagpal who made 368 runs at an average of 122.67 per game the best at the carnival. Ava Spiteri led the competition’s bowling with 12 wickets. Both girls are from Burnside Springs United.
Ward said the recognition for Nagpal was the result of hard work.
“Holly exceeded everyone’s expectations,” he said.
“She was an ultra professional as captain of the team. She hasn’t had the season in premier cricket she would have liked, it’s just reward for her work.
“Along with vice-captain Kayla Britnell they led the side well. Their preparation and tactics outshone their compatriots.
“Their work was on another level and got us over the line in some games.”
Ward said the success of this side was something they had been working on for a number of years.
He said to see that result in a state championship was amazing.”
