The Waves won the toss and bowled first, restricting the Pride to a total of 5-110 from their 20 overs, before chasing it down with five wickets in hand and two balls to spare.

It was the Waves’ second under-18 female state championships title.

Warracknabeal cricketer Summer Schultz said securing the win on Melbourne’s home of cricket was the highlight of her cricketing career.

“It was so surreal,” she said.

“It was really amazing and the ground was awesome – so flat and smooth.”

Schultz, the only Wimmera representative in the squad, said it was an exciting match. “It was pretty close,” she said.

“Both teams had taken a few wickets, and there was a bit of pressure.”

Warrnambool’s Gemma Gibbons, 16 not out and two wickets, and Merino’s Claire Nolte, 12 not out, guided the Waves to victory after a contribution of 30 from opener Makinley Blows.

Schultz, who plays her junior cricket with Warrack-Brim and seniors with Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills, said she was aspiring to return to the MCG to defend the Waves’ title next season.

“I think I’m going to keep playing cricket and see where it leads me,” she said.

“I’m bottom age, so hopefully I can move up the order next year.”

“Hopefully we can get back to MCG again and I can make my mark.”

The Waves’ under-14 girls side fell one win short of a grand final berth after losing their semi-final to Central Highlands on Sunday.

Playing at Fairbairn Park in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, the Waves were bowled out for 36. Nhill bowler Shanaye Alexander picked up two wickets, helping reduce the opposition to 6-29 – but Central Highlands proved too strong, finishing on 7-89 after 25 overs. 

The Waves met South East Sharks in a third-place playoff on Sunday afternoon.

Waves won by 20 runs against the South East Sharks.

Wimmera girls Cheyenne Parsons and Shanaye Alexander took two wickets in the win.