Emma Manix-Geeves has wasted no time getting back into form ahead of another shot at Greater Northern Raiders' silverware.
In four Twenty20 matches since returning from shin and quad injuries, the reigning CTPL women's player of the year has been pivotal to the team completing an unbeaten roster - keeping wicket throughout, at the crease for 79 of 80 batting overs and scoring 290 runs with just one dismissal.
The 21-year-old is confident the team can continue that momentum against what could be a star-studded North Hobart line-up and claim the team's first trophy on Sunday.
"Delighted and surprised," is how Manix-Geeves described her impressive return.
"It's been a very long pre-season so it's just been nice to get out in the middle and get a few away.
"But it's been exhausting. It was definitely not expected in my first two games back but to be out there the whole day was great.
"I was pretty tired afterwards and even more tired after Sunday because it was quite hot out in the middle of UTAS.
"It was good to catch up on time I've missed out on and get comfortable again but it was weird not being confined to a little net in the indoor centre."
Since returning for Riverside in the Greater Northern Cup against South Launceston, the opening batter scored 87* and 81* in wins over New Town then 55 and 67* to see off North Hobart at UTAS.
"I don't know how many games I missed, it was something like eight, so I felt I had to make an impact with the final coming up and I think I did that. The team is going in on a massive high, we're pumped.
"I think it will be a great game. I'm not sure which state players are playing for either side, we'll have to wait and see. Each team have their match-winners and at Blundstone with a nice wicket and fast outfield it should be a good game."
Manix-Geeves is undaunted by the prospect of possibly facing her Tigers teammates and international quartet Elyse Villani, Molly Strano, Nicola Carey and Naomi Stalenberg in the final.
"They're quite impressive names to have in your line-up but no-one likes facing the Raiders bowlers, that's no secret. We're up for the challenge and anything can happen in a final.
"If we come up against four of Tasmania's best players we'll take it in our stride and see how we go.
"If Elise Villani wants to come out and try and hit our bowlers all around the park, good luck to her."
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
