Steph Lennon led the way for White, top scoring with a hard-hitting 41 as her side compiled a solid 7-104. Restricting White to that total was a big effort from the Blue bowlers, led well by Sophie Hamilton, who took 4-17 including a remarkable triple-wicket maiden in her final over.

Blue managed 6-75 in reply, with Alice Litchfield top scoring with a fine 16 before being dismissed by her sister Phoebe (3-8). Niamh McPhee had the best returns of the White bowlers, taking 4-4 from her three overs.

“It was a great final, and a really good competition,” Orange District Junior Cricket Association president David Cumming said.

“The girls all loved it, there’s a very different feel in girls’ cricket compared to boys’. They’re all very supportive of each other and always congratulate anyone, regardless of teams, on good shots, innings or bowling performances.

“Kinross were certainly stand-outs, but they have been playing in the boys’ competition for a few years.

“We had four sides, which was a strong start.

“Now that we’ve got more women’s cricket on the TV, we’re hoping for more numbers for the summer league which starts again next year.

“It was a real success though, we’re very pleased with everything.”

Lennon and Phoebe Litchfield (14) added 30 for the opening wicket, laying a strong foundation for white.

Lennon and McPhee (4) put together a strong partnership for the second wicket before the former was retired – she came back to the crease at the end of the innings – and then the latter batted well with Sophie Starr (10) too.

The Hamilton struck.

Her fourth and final over kicked off with a sharp caught and bowled to dismiss Starr, then she clean bowled Emma Wright with a peach next delivery to be on a hat-trick.

She didn’t quite achieve that rare feat, but two dot balls later she Hamilton rattled Scarlett Taragel’s stumps, and help restrict White to 7-104.

With regular skipper McKenzie Carr not present, Blue fought hard with the bat.

Alice Litchfield (16) and Courtney Currie (5) top scored as they managed 6-75 in reply.

“It was noted by the umpires the skill in the field was exceptional, with many catches being taken,” Kinross girls’ coach Leigh Morrisey said in his match report.

“The [competition] proved to be an exceptional success. The result is secondary to the skill development and enjoyment of the game, they play to win but most importantly they play to improve. A catch taken is an opportunity to celebrate the skill rather than the wicket.

“Each girl plays with a spirit that reminds us why cricket can be a beautiful game.

“We look forward to the summer competition starting in early February and I’m sure all the girls will be on board for the next round.

Anyone interested in signing up for the summer league – which Cumming encouraged anyone even remotely interested in cricket to do – can head to www.playcricket.com.au and follow the links.