NSW Women’s Premier Cricket: Litchfield unstoppable as Penrith break premiership drought

In fact, a full day wasn’t even required. By the time Australia’s youngest batting sensation had reached top gear it was all over, done and dusted inside 25 overs.

With the sun still high in the sky and the horror of last season’s grand final defeat in the rearview mirror, Penrith had cruised to it’s maiden title with nine wickets still in the shed.

If there was any disappointment, it was Litchfield’s dismissal for 99, just six-runs shy of the target.

No Northern District bowler was spared. Speedster Tara French lasted two overs, hit for 24 and out of the attack. In all, Litchfield rattled the Cricket Central pickets on 17 occasions and cleared them once in a whirlwind 75-ball knock.

Her player of the match performance capped off a remarkable return to the grade ranks. Since making her Aussie debut this summer in both short form formats, the 19-year-old has cracked 461 runs in just seven digs at 92.2.

Earlier in the day at 2/118, Northern District appeared in command. Kate McTaggart’s patient 37 helped position the innings in a 73-run stand with Breakers regular Lauren Smith.

But when Smith fell to Elise Noble for 44, the clouds gathered. Abbey Taylor’s brisk knock of 37 ended with the score on 137, and they were eventually all out in the 50th and final over.

Katie Wolfe was the pick of the Penrith bowlers with 3/15 from 10 overs, while Callee Black and skipper Sam Arnold both chimed in with two.

PHOTO GALLERY

GRAND FINAL PREVIEW

After the heartache of last season’s grand final defeat to Sydney, Penrith return to the big dance hopeful of securing a maiden women’s title.

And with Aussie teenage batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield leading the Panthers’ charge, it promises to be an action packed Sunday at Sydney Olympic Park’s Cricket Central.

But with a star-studded line-up of their own, Northern District will be no push over. Headed by WBBL regular Lauren Smith, they’ll be desperate to repeat the title winning deeds of 2020/21.

Meet the stars and game breakers to watch on Sydney cricket’s big day.

PENRITH

PHOEBE LITCHFIELD

A genuine match winner, the Aussie star punished the Parramatta attack in last week’s semi final with a match changing knock of 77 not out from just 63 deliveries.

In only six innings this season, Litchfield has plundered four fifties and 362 runs at a competition high 90.5 runs per innings.

If her fireworks continue, Penrith could well be on the way to a maiden title.

REBECCA CADY

Cady is a key figure in the Penrith mix. In addition to her slick glovework behind the stumps, the vice-captain is a damaging alternative at the top of the order.

Averaging over 35 this season, her 388 runs are the most for Penrith and come at a brisk 87 runs per 100 balls.

ELISE NOBLE

In a team of dashers, Noble is the side’s anchor and a reliable accumulator.

In addition to her 242 runs at 16.1, her 20 wickets at 14.5 are the most by a Panther and bring stability through the middle overs.

SAMANTHA ARNOLD

A dependable all-rounder and the team captain. So far this season Arnold has hit 214 runs and taken 11 wickets at 22.9.

Still motivated by last season’s grand final defeat, last week in the semi final, her bustling right-arm mediums returned a season best 4/40 from 10 overs.

ELSA HUNTER

One of several Penrith youngsters involved in this season’s successful under-19s NSW side, Hunter has been solid in the top grade scoring 202 runs with a best of 79 not out.

A jet in the field, the aspiring right-hander has already played international T20 cricket for Malaysia.

CALLEE BLACK

Awarded a Basil Sellers Scholarship, the Orange recruit is widely recognised as one of the state’s most promising talents.

Super smooth through the crease, the left-arm quick has 16 wickets at 13.7 this season, and offers plenty with the bat.

ANANAYA SHARMA

The leading wicket taker at this year’s under-19s nationals, Ananaya has wasted little time in adjusting to first grade. So far this season, the right-arm offie has 16 wickets at a respectable 15.3 including a best of 5/12 at Howell Oval.

KATIE WOLFE

Katie is a right-arm quick who shares the new ball with Callee Black. Currently dodging a northern winter, the English recruit’s outswing has returned 11 poles at just over 25 runs per wicket.

BETHANY LANE

Bethany’s leg-spin is a reliable alternative for skipper Samantha Arnold. Known for her consistent line and length, the right-armer has picked up 10 wickets and gone for less than four runs per over.

NORTHERN DISTRICT

GRACE DIGNAM

A season-high 731 runs at 56.2 just about says it all.

A genuine spearhead for Northern District’s, the right-hander’s eight fifties have been pivotal in the team’s 11 wins. Always dependable, she comes off a valuable 49 in the semi.

Not to be underestimated with the ball, Dignam has also taken 13 wickets with her off-spin.

LAUREN SMITH

Another powerhouse alongside Dignam at the top of the order, Lauren Smith is a proven match winner in her own right.

A current Blues rep in the WNCL, the 26-year-old right hander has notched 418 runs at 52.3 this season at a lively 84 runs per 100 balls.

With her offies, the Thunder all-rounder has an impressive 17 wickets at 14.4.

ABBEY TAYLOR

In a team flush with all-round talent, Taylor’s 313 runs and 26 wickets are a shining light.

Currently second on the wicket takers’ list, her right-arm off-spin is matched by her left-handed power hitting.

KATE McTAGGART

From Newcastle, Kate impressed in her first grade debut this season at just 15. The right-hand strokemaker has hit 194 runs to date, and taken six wickets with her medium pace.

AVA RYAN

The side’s wicketkeeper, Ava is just as reliable to the quicks as she is crouched behind the stumps. Had a day out in the semi-final, pouching three catches and taking a crucial stumping.

No mug with the bat, she struck a season best 80 against Parramatta in the early rounds.

TARA FRENCH

The Terrigal pace ace is one of several from Northern District to represent NSW Country at this year’s under-19s nationals.

Blessed with raw speed, her opening spell rocked Sydney in the semi, and she rounded out the day with a season best 3/35.

SIENNA EVE

In last week’s semi, the Newcastle based bowler once again showcased her class under pressure picking up 2/9 from six overs – further proof that her left-arm orthodox is a valuable point of difference.

SOPHIE SHELLEY

Short and sharp. Shelley’s right-arm outswingers have yielded 13 wickets at less than 25 this season, including a best of 3/21 in an eight wicket win against Penrith.

CLAIRE McGUIRK

In limited appearances this season the attacking Gunnedah right-hander has averaged 41.5 with the bat. Enters the grand final in solid form, having struck a crucial 23 from 34 balls in the semi-final.

19-YEAR-OLD NATIONAL TALENT TO SPEARHEAD PENRITH’S TITLE CHARGE

It’s been a whirlwind summer for young batting sensation Phoebe Litchfield. After forcing her way into the all conquering Aussie line-up, she’s about to go full circle in a bid to help her junior club Penrith to a maiden premiership.

With the Ruth Preddy Trophy up for grabs on Sunday, it’s with a sense of irony that the 19-year-old’s experience could prove the difference against Northern District.

Since smashing back-to-back fifties in her first two one day internationals in January, the elegant left-hander has been a prominent fixture in Penrith’s grand final charge.

“I’m really excited to be part of it,” said Litchfield, who destroyed Parramatta with an unbeaten 77 in the semi-final.

“We’ve got a really good mix of young and senior players. It’s a really exciting time for the club because we’ve been close for a number of years but haven’t been able to go all the way.”

Originally from Orange, Litchfield’s prodigious talent saw her join Penrith where she made her first grade debut at just 15.

“I used to play in the boys’ and men’s competitions back home,” she said. “Then as I progressed, I needed exposure to women’s cricket and Penrith was the closest club.”

“It’s a three-hour drive, but the club has been so good to me. They used to put me up for the night when I was a junior.

“Penrith has a really good connection with western NSW, our opening bowler Callee Black is currently following the same program.”

Reflecting on a breakout season, Litchfield is delighted to be back where it all began.

“Grade cricket is obviously a different standard, but it’s a reminder of why I started playing in the first place. Just to enjoy it and be with friends.

“It’s also nice to come back to the club and play some cricket without the pressure, and to help nurture the younger players, especially Callee, because she’s from the country and is a leftie as well.”

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Back on the park, and Northern District will also pack plenty of firepower for the Wilson Park clash. NSW WNCL star Lauren Smith is set to face the new ball alongside the competition’s leading run-scorer, Grace Dignam.

It’s a fact not lost on Litchfield, and is a hurdle Penrith need to overcome to better last season’s grand final loss to Sydney.

“We finished higher on the table and beat them in the round game, so hopefully we can take that as a bit of confidence. It should be a good shootout, if we can get those two early, you never know.”

Originally published as NSW Women’s Premier Cricket: Litchfield unstoppable as Penrith break premiership drought