Young Motors Women’s T20 Series: Wanderers complete four-peat in convincing grand final win against Sporties

Wanderers won their fourth successive Young Motors Women’s T20 Series title under Wonthella’s bright lights on Saturday night.

Wanderers and Sporties have faced off in the past four grand finals, with Wanderers making their dominance felt — triumphant over Sporties four times in a row in the decider.

Their unbeaten run throughout the 2024-25 season has been remarkable and relentless — they were simply superb, supreme, well-coached, well-captained and well, what more can one say?

Sporties did their best but in truth were outclassed and Wanderers’ eight-wicket win in the decider reflected their power and poise.

“It’s definitely the cherry on top and good to see the girls come out, fight hard and make the most of our chances,” Wanderers captain Olivia Bidwell said.

“Our fielding was very good, I mean three run outs in a final is just crazy, everyone played their roles, did their part and it was great to see.

“We would have batted if we’d won the toss but playing under lights is a privilege, we don’t get to do it often.

“The target was one we knew we could chase down having done it a few times this season and I was confident our batting depth would be enough.”

Sporties’ captain Jo Walker won the toss and elected to bat but their innings started on a bad note with Jess Wake caught and bowled by Ashlyn Thompson off the fourth ball of the innings.

Sporties were 2-23 after Olivia and Chelsea Bidwell combined to run out Tia Hatch and the next two wickets were also run outs as Sporties unwisely took on the field and lost.

Sarah Prickett (25) put a price on her wicket as she always does but her side stumbled to 7-69 off their 20 overs. It wasn’t anywhere near enough.

All the Wanderers bowlers shone especially Sam Biddiscombe (2-7) who dismissed Prickett and Walker in another great display.

Set 70 to win, Wanderers lost Charli Bidwell with 14 on the board but there was little further joy for Sporties as Meg Spalding (28 not out) and Abby Green (30) added 44 to put victory in sight.

Fittingly enough, Olivia Bidwell was in the middle when Spalding struck her second four to secure the title.

Wanderers previously won the premierships in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24, although the grand final for the latter was a wash-out but Wanderers claimed the title as minor premiers.

Though the grand final ended the 2024-25 Young Motors Women’s T20 League, a play-off for third was held on Sunday at Wonthella.

It was won by Chapman Valley-Northampton over Towns by five wickets. Towns, sent in, made 7-70 with Ruth Vorster (16) and Indi Burns (12) making runs.

Alexia Wekwerth (2-8) was best of the bowlers and also shone with the bat (33 not out) to guide CVN to victory. Burns (2-8) also bowled well.