Southern Districts have secured consecutive DDCC Women’s Division 1 premierships, holding off Tracy Village in a contest that went to the final over at DXC Arena.
Rachel Andrew again played a central role, scoring 44 from 30 balls after taking 1–19 and completing a run-out. Supported by Kelly Armstrong’s 37 and Hannah Armstrong’s 36, the Crocs reached 4–145 with three balls remaining to chase down Village’s 3–142.
A year earlier, Andrew and Hannah Armstrong had steered Districts to an eight-wicket grand final win over Waratah with more than seven overs to spare. Andrew finished unbeaten on 55 and Armstrong on 37. This time, Tracy Village made the defending premiers work much deeper into the innings.
Ekam Dhillon and Alana Horsfall gave Village a strong start, adding 52 for the opening wicket. Andrew broke the partnership when Horsfall was caught by Emma Carling for 22, before running out Phoebe Murphy for six.
Dhillon continued to build the innings, making 43 from 41 deliveries before being run out through the work of Nasimana Navaika and Sam Quinn at 3–85.
Captain Eliza Jagger and Zita Varatharajan then added an unbeaten 57, giving Village a competitive total to defend. Jagger finished on 40 from 32 balls and Varatharajan contributed 17 from 15.
Andrew’s four overs were important in keeping that total within reach. She conceded just 19 runs and was involved in two of the three dismissals, providing another example of the all-round value she brings to Districts.
The Vanuatu international arrived at the club in 2025 with experience in Victorian Premier Cricket at Essendon Maribyrnong Park. Her continued contribution reflects the opportunities available in Australia’s winter cricket capital, where Territory players compete alongside recruits with experience from across the country and the Pacific.
Chasing 143, the Armstrong sisters established a platform with an opening partnership of 68. Joanna Pickett delivered Village’s first breakthrough, bowling Kelly for 37 from 35 balls.
Hannah and Andrew added another 43 before Meagan Campbell bowled Hannah for 36, leaving Districts 2–111. Village then tightened the contest, with Campbell conceding only nine runs from her two overs.
With three overs remaining, the Crocs needed 25. A 16-run 18th over shifted the chase back in their favour, but Village continued to find ways to apply pressure.
Dhillon removed Andrew for 44, caught by Amanda Anderson, before Varatharajan ran out Andrea Ellis with the score on 141. Navaika remained unbeaten on 12 as Districts completed the chase in the final over.
For Village, Dhillon’s 43 and 1–19 and Pickett’s 1–23 were significant contributions from two of our NT Academy players. Both had played at the Under 16 National Championships in Launceston earlier this year, where Hannah Armstrong was their assistant coach. In the grand final, they were helping lead the challenge against her club side.
Dhillon also captained that NT Under 16 team, adding further context to the responsibility she carried with bat and ball in the decider. Her performance showed how our emerging players are already influencing senior finals.
The final capped a season in which DDCC women’s registrations increased by 23.8 per cent, with 12 teams competing across two divisions. Southern Districts retained the trophy, while Tracy Village’s challenge ensured the title remained in contention until the closing deliveries.
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