Jono Dean says the ACT Meteors' long-awaited return to the winners list has lifted a huge weight off their shoulders and reignited a sense of belief within the squad.
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The Meteors have put a huge week behind them to snap their WNCL losing streak in a two-wicket win over Western Australia at Phillip Oval on Tuesday.
It was a dream start for new coach Dean in his first game at the helm after David Drew stepped aside after a year in the job.
Katie Mack claimed player of the match honours for her classy 72 (97) in during the ACT's pursuit of Western Australia's 7-240.
But it was No. 8 batter Maitlan Brown (23 not out from 32) who held her nerve to get the Meteors over the line with 13 balls remaining.
"The reality is it has been a disappointing season, but it's an opportunity to finish off strong," Dean said.
"They've been close for a while, it's just about winning a few moments and sometimes getting a bit lucky. I'm really proud of this group.
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"I was nervous because I care, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Hopefully I didn't show it too much.
"We got the job done, we got to sing the song which is what we want to do in every game. Lots of smiles on faces at the end of the day and that's what it's all about."
Sarah Coyte had been the pick of the Meteors' bowling attack with 3-33 earlier in the day, but even she had no answer for Mathilda Carmichael's superb 84 not out (112), however it came to no avail.
"They were up for the fight, they've been up for the fight for the majority of the year and just haven't won the key moments," Dean said.
"It's always nice to win easy and win big, but for us in that situation, having a really gritty win, and getting it done with some hard work is really important for us.
"It gives you the belief, so hopefully we can continue that to Thursday and get another one on the board."
The Meteors will look to finish their season with successive wins when they host Tasmania at Phillip Oval on Thursday.
AT A GLANCE
WNCL: ACT METEORS 8-242 (Katie Mack 72, Anna Lanning 39; Heather Graham 4-35, Nicole Bolton 2-41) bt WESTERN AUSTRALIA 7-240 (Mathilda Carmichael 84*, Megan Banting 45; Sarah Coyte 3-33, Claire Koski 1-7) by two wickets at Phillip Oval.
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
