Dolphins in decider as Gators are pummelled

THEIR premiership drought broken, the Gold Coast Dolphins’ women now have the chance to stamp themselves as the undisputed queens of the Katherine Raymont Shield after winning through to next Sunday’s final.

Six weeks after collecting their first piece of silverware with victory in the Twenty20 final, the Dolphins kept their one-day title dream alive yesterday with a seven-wicket demolition of Sandgate-Redcliffe at Deagon.

Confronting a batting lineup featuring Southern Stars opener Beth Mooney and Queensland squad members Jemma Barsby, Georgia Prestwidge and Tess Cooper, the Coast outfit held their nerve to dismiss the Gators for 185 in the 48th over.

After stumbling to 2-24 in reply, they then stormed home with more than 23 overs to spare as state representatives Sammy-Jo Johnson (82) and Georgia Redmayne (88 not out) put on 154 for the third wicket.

“Everything we spoke about before the game we implemented in the game,” coach Garry Lovett said.

“I’m really happy for the group and not just for the 12 that played (yesterday) but for every player that has played a role in first grade this year.

“It is a group effort and I’m proud of every one of them,” he said.

The Dolphins got off to the perfect start with the ball when Mooney was run out for two, with Johnson (2-33), Roxanne Thomson (2-20) and Grace Parsons (2-27) then combining to put the brakes on the hosts’ charge.

Belinda McDougall (1-23), Southern Stars quick Delissa Kimmince (1-24) and Tara Wheeler (1-26) also provided valuable support.

The Dolphins will now take on minor premiers Wests, who crushed Valleys by eight wickets, in the final at Allan Border Field at 10am on Sunday.