Wangaratta High School's intermediate girls cricket team ended its history-making 2025 campaign last Wednesday.

The side was defeated by the powerful Balwyn High School in the School Sport Victoria state quarter final, but proudly finished in Victoria's top eight.

In the first SSV final ever hosted at the WHS campus, with a large crowd of students watching on, the visiting Eastern Metro Region champions were too strong and experienced.

WHS had set a reasonable target against a searing attack led by two devastatingly fast opening bowlers, making 5/109 on the back of opener and co-captain Kaity Ford.

The 15-year old year nine student top-scored with 35 not out, despite having to retire hurt for eight overs after a savage bouncer struck her already-injured shoulder (an earlier bouncer had also cannoned into her face grill), before bravely returning in the 17th over to lift the WHS run-rate and push the team past 100.

Fellow year nine Inanay Gilson at first drop was the only other batter to reach double figures, slashing two boundaries in a quick-fire 10, with most others finding it hard to score due to the quality of bowling.

Balwyn chased down the WHS tally in the 16th over for the loss of just two wickets (2/110).

Gilson made an early breakthrough thanks to a brilliant catch at mid-on from Jasmina Scott, and then co-captain Jedda Driscoll had Balwyn's number three sky one to Ruby O'Kane at cover.

It was a solid effort by the WHS team, none of whom play regular cricket, against a school of 2000-plus students.

The girls got a great taste of what it's like to play against genuine class.

Balwyn, comprised of all year nines, last year was year eight state runner-up to Melbourne Girls' College, and the year prior as year sevens, was state semi-finalist, losing to Strathmore.

The team boasted several girls who this year played for a Premier League Melbourne team in the prestigious under 15 Marg Jennings Cup, and one in the Team Vic under 15 state team.

Wangaratta High School's year seven girls play their state quarter final on 21 November.