The semi-final masterclass against Shepparton Youth Club United at Mooroopna was built on the back of some laser-like line and length, with Woods’ eye-popping two-over spell yielding figures of 5-1.
It proved the catalyst behind SYCU’s dismissal for 33, a total Cats openers Ebony Sleeth (17 not out) and Poppy Vandermeer (four not out) needed just 18 deliveries to chase down.
“(Bella’s) one girl that we don't see a lot over (the season) because she's in uni in Geelong,” Mooroopna coach Jeff Vandermeer said.
“She's only just played a handful of games for the year, and it happened to work out she was available this week.
“She’s been a big part of that team for a long number of years - she just hit the spot straight away with a bit of swing.”
Phoebe Hawker stood defiant for SYCU with 12 runs before she was bowled by Sleeth, who also had the dangerous Mel Saunders dismissed early doors.
Mia Earl (1-6) and Nonie Shipston (1-5) bowled with machine-like precision to leave SYCU reeling at 4-30 before Woods, in her first match since December 11, gave away just one run – a wide – during her match-defining five-wicket haul.
A mixture of good preparation and getting the full list on the park were key factors in the reigning premier strolling to a second consecutive grand final, according to the Cats’ mentor.
“That was a good win,” Vandermeer said.
“The girls prepared well leading up to the final. It was good to have our full list available … we’ve sort of been struggling over the last few weeks to get a full list, so it was good.
“The bowling was really good - (they) kept the pressure on and got some key wickets.”
However, standing in the Cats' way on Sunday is an unbeaten Nagambie team determined to make history by claiming their maiden premiership.
The Lakers have bested the Cats on all four occasions they’ve met this season, and a cohort of stars including Kayla Shepherd, Madi Albers, and Breanna Davison will be hoping to rectify last season’s four-wicket defeat in the same fixture.
“There's a couple of girls there that haven't played in a grand final that are new this year, so they're looking forward to it,” Vandermeer said.
“This year is going to be a lot tougher. Nagambie has been the standout team, so it's going to take a good effort to knock them off.”
Nagambie Recreation Reserve will play host to the Cricket Shepparton Women’s grand final on Sunday, March 1 at 11am.
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