Sport
4 February, 2026
Women finish strong
COBDEN finished the home and away season in the Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association women’s competition with a seven wicket win over Russells Creek.
Playing on the turf at Camperdown’s SA Wright Oval on Sunday, Russells Creek won the toss and elected to bat.
“It’s good to finish the season with a few good wins in a row and go into the finals with a bit of momentum,” Cobden’s Ingrid Bellman said.
“The game was meant to be at Ecklin but was shifted after some chats between the clubs; it was good to get a hitout on turf before the finals, it was a ripping ground to play on, full credit to Camperdown.”
A strong Cobden bowling effort saw Creek restricted to 9/85 from their 25 overs.
Jess Walsh led the bowling with 2/9 from four overs, with five other players taking a wicket each.
“Jess is always a real handy addition, she is just so consistent with the ball and brings so much energy in the field.
“The depth in our bowling showed again, we can throw the ball to anyone and know they will do the job for us.
“We never rely on the same two or three to carry us.”
In reply, Cobden cruised to victory in just 13.2 overs for the loss of three wickets.
Hanks scored 19 from 20 balls, with Ingrid Bellman unbeaten on 19 from 15 balls when the score was passed.
“Our openers took on the bowling and our batting depth all the way through also showed.”
Cobden finish the regular season in fifth place, with fixtures for the six team finals series still to be confirmed at the time of publication.
“It’s our first time in the finals, we missed out on percentage last year.
“We’ve got a really good group and feel like we are firing on all cylinders to give the finals a real crack.”
The south west women’s competition resumed last Wednesday night after the Christmas break, with both Cobden Blue and Cobden Gold recording wins.
At Camperdown number two, Blue scored a 25 run win over Camperdown.
Batting first, Cobden made 2/126 from its 20 overs.
Anna Dickson, with 31 from 29 balls, and Abbie Hanks, with 30 from 32 balls, both reached the 30 run retirement mark, with Sally Merrett retiring on 19 from 38 balls.
Camperdown replied with 4/101 from its 20 overs.
Gabrielle Bellman led the bowling with 2/18 from four overs.
At Ecklin, Gold had a tight win over the Frogs.
Batting first, the home team posted 2/125 from its 20 overs.
Taliyah Bishop was the pick of the Gold bowlers with 1/18 from four overs, with the other wicket coming from a run out.
In reply, Cobden Gold passed the score in the 19th over, finishing on 4/136.
Ingrid Bellman made 30 retired from 34 balls, with Kelsey Fratantaro making 30 retired from 19 balls.
Taliyah Bishop guided the team home with an unbeaten 26 from 34 balls.
Tonight’s game sees Blue play Gold at Cobden for the second time this season at the Cobden Community Bank Recreation Reserve.
“Playing against your mates, there’s definitely bragging rights on the line.
“The competitiveness goes up 30 levels in these games,” Bellman laughed.
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