McDonald’s Women’s NSW Premier Cricket finals review

_{Pictured: Gordon Women's Cricket Club are the 2025/26 Women's First Grade premiers. Image by Ian Bird Photography.}

Below is a recap of each final.

FIRST GRADE

Gordon claimed their first Women’s First Grade premiership since 2016/17, defeating Sydney by four wickets in a tense contest that went down to the final few overs. The victory completes a remarkable treble for the club, adding the Ruth Preddey Cup to their first grade minor premiership and Women’s Club Championship.

Sydney were bowled out for 131 in the 43rd over, with Eva Ragg (30) and Olivia Maxwell (41) providing resistance, but five ducks across the innings proved costly. Olivia Callaghan delivered a match-defining performance with the ball, tearing through the top order to finish with 5-26, while Ahilya Chandel (4-21) and Natalie Williams (1-27) wrapped up the innings.

In reply, Gordon were tested despite the modest target, with skipper Kinjal Kumari falling early. NSW Breaker Elsa Hunter marked her return with a valuable 27 before Callaghan produced a composed unbeaten 62 to guide her side home, holding her nerve to score the winning runs and cap off a dominant all-round display. Callaghan was deservedly named Player of the Final.

Score Wrap-Up 
Gordon 6/133 (O Callighan 62no, E Hunter 27) defeat Sydney 131 (O Maxwell 41, E Ragg 30)
Player of the Final: Olivia Callahghan 62* & 5-26
Scorecard: HERE

SECOND GRADE

Parramatta have secured the Women’s Second Grade premiership with a 10-run victory over Sydney at Merrylands Oval, marking the club’s third title in the competition.

A strong opening partnership laid the platform for Parra. Jaaniyah Shah led the way with an outstanding unbeaten 54 and was well supported by Kelsey Miller (33) and Sarah Bawcombe (23). Despite a late middle and lower-order collapse, Parramatta posted 156, with Sydney’s Lilly Dummett, Sophie Busch and Georgie Leonard claiming three wickets each.

In reply, Sydney struggled to build momentum and found themselves under early pressure at 3-31.

The bowling responsibilities throughout the innings, with Shah capping off a stellar performance with figures of 2-17 from her 10 overs. A late fightback from Aimee Longhurst (28) gave Sydney some hope, but the chase ultimately proved out of reach as Parramatta held on to seal the premiership.

Shah was named Player of the Final for her match-winning all-round display.

Score Wrap-Up 
Parramatta 156 (J Shah 54, K Miller 33) defeat Sydney 146 (A Longhurst 28, G Leonard 3-20)
Player of the Final: Jaaniya Shah 54 & 2-17
Scorecard: HERE
 
THIRD GRADE 

Sydney have claimed their first Women's Third Grade premiership, defeating Manly Warringah by five wickets on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Tigers struck early with Kylie Hockley removing Manly skipper Sienna James for five. The hosts struggled to build partnerships, with Renee Hough providing some resistance with an unbeaten 31 before Manly were bowled out for 95 in the 38th over.

Hockley finished with 3-20 from her seven overs, while Tanisha Narayan and Kaisha Kapadia picked up two wickets each.

Chasing a modest total, Sydney got off to a solid start, losing their first wicket at 23. Deepti Bhanushali’s valuable 29 steadied the innings as the team methodically reached their target in 35 overs. Bhanushali was named Player of of the Final for her efforts. 

Score Wrap-Up 
Manly Warringah 95 (R Hough 31no, E Hatfield 21) defeated by Sydney 5/96 (D Bhanushali 29, M Winkler 15no)
Player of the Final: Deepti Bhanushali 29 & 1-12
Scorecard: HERE
 
BREWER SHIELD

Blacktown have lifted their maiden Brewer Shield title, holding their nerve in a thrilling two-wicket win over Penrith.

Finishing fourth in the regular season, Blacktown’s triumph is a testament to their resilience and determination, overcoming the odds to secure the premiership.

Penrith were in early trouble after losing both openers cheaply, but a strong middle-order effort steadied the innings. Menorath Gill led the way with 55, supported by Olivia Dimmick (32) and Matilda Lett (14*), as the side posted 9-133 from their 50 overs. Charitha Gulla was the standout with the ball for Blacktown, taking three wickets, while Era Bhoir and Gayathri Naik claimed two each.

In reply, Blacktown’s top order laid a solid foundation, with Hemali Garg anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 49. The contest went down to the wire, but Blacktown held their composure in the closing stages to reach the target with just two wickets in hand. Naik’s all-round contribution of 26 runs and two wickets proved crucial, earning her Player of the Final honours.

Score Wrap-Up 
Penrith 9/133 (M Gil 55, O Dimmick 32) defeated by Blacktown 8/134 (H Garg 49no, G Naik 26)
Player of the Final: Gayathri Naik 26 & 2-17
Scorecard: HERE