Springvale won direct passage through to this year’s Grand Final after a 7-0 Semi Final win over the Bombers while Essendon had to do it the hard way, backing up for this past weekend’s Preliminary Final where they would defeat Doncaster 19-9.
Finishing the season with a 14-2-4 record, the Springvale Lions have been the form team of this season’s competition. Defeated only twice this season (once to Essendon), the two teams have also drawn on three occasions with Springvale’s Semi Final win over Essendon giving them a slight head-to-head edge on the Bombers 2-1 (with three draws).
Led by the veteran Jade Hough who’s hitting .524 on the season, the Springvale line-up packs plenty of punch with seven Lions hitters record 20 or more hits on the season.
Pitching is also a feature of the Lions games with Simone Wearne (2.03 ERA) a chance to get the start for Sunday’s Grand Final with a bullpen packed full of quality arms in support.
For the Bombers, it’s been Bronwyn Gell that continues to be Essendon’s toughest out. Hitting .577 on the season and with a .703 OBA with 14 stolen, keeping her off the bases will be key if the Lions are going to win this game.
Expect young gun Abbey Kelly to be named as the Bombers starter with the right-hander having a knack for performing in big games. She’ll be on a tight leash though with Bronwyn Gell and Emma French ready to go in relief.
If you’d like to get out and support the women, the game is scheduled for 4PM on Saturday March 4th at Melbourne Ballpark.
