Thunder top amid the rain

NOT even the Far North’s tropical summer could rain on Innisfail Thunder’s parade this Cricket Far North Ladies’ season, with the Cassowary Coast side romping to the minor premiership after a big win against their closest rivals.

Rain and player availability caused a stop-start nature to the beginning of the season, but despite the challenges the Thunder were able to maintain their unbeaten streak on the field.

Last weekend, it was a massive win over secondplaced Norths in a rain-reduced match in Cairns.

Openers Alana Romano and Abby Toshach were quickly into their work, keeping the score ticking over early.

Romano was the aggressor, taking to the Norths bowling attack and smashing her halfcentury in just 32 balls. She was eventually dismissed for 62, which included seven fours and three sixes.

At the other end, a classy Toshach carved out an impressive 67 not out from 45 balls, a knock that featured seven fours and a six, as she guided the Thunder to 1/141 from their 15 overs. Fresh back from State duties with the Queensland under-15s, Amy Hunter paired with off-spinner Robyn Fascetti to keep Norths’ run rate to a crawl early on.

The pair grabbed two wickets in the first four overs and Thunder kept it tight and continued to pile on the pressure with Romano also grabbing a wicket and Sharon Bradford combining with Fascetti in a run out.

Thunder restricted the Norths line-up to 5/77, securing top spot on the ladder with a round left in the competition and earning themselves a grand final spot.

It has been a dominant season for the Thunder.

They started the summer unsure if they’d have a team but have gone on to secure a place in the grand final.

Captain Sharon Bradford said the success felt rewarding.

“Not to take anything away from what we have achieved previously, it just really feels like we have earned this one,” she said.

The Thunder could be further bolstered by the return of all-rounder Mackenzie McAvoy and top-order batter Mandy Larsen for the final after they missed last week’s regular season-ending contest.

“We will have to see how we go, but it would be good to have both ladies back,” Bradford said. “Both have played a major part in the season and getting us to the final.”

“The grand final is another kettle of fish. We can’t get ahead of ourselves. Whoever we play it will be a tough match.”