ELTON Vale Juniors capped off another fantastic season with a convincing victory over Swan in the Orr Shield final.

The young side, which is predominantly made up of teenagers, went into the showdown with the Division Three title already in the bag.

And they saw off Swan, who finished runners-up to the them in the league, with a 95-47 winning margin.

Elton were always in control of the tie, finishing the first innings with a 43-26 lead, before pulling further away in the second innings.

Megan Olphert starred with the bat, hitting one rounder on her way to 24 points, while Brogan Proudfoot was not far behind with 18 points.

Captain Claire Roberts, aged 43, who provides the experience to guide the youthful team, praised the bowling of Beth Rector, who took 13 victims out of a possible 22 over the two innings.

“The focus in rounders is normally on the batting, as you need the points on the board to win a game, but this result would not have been anywhere near as convincing without Beth’s bowling,” said Roberts.

“She was outstanding. To get 13 out of 22 is very unusual, and that’s why the Swan score was so low.”

Elton Vale Juniors have been on an amazing run since the side came together six years ago.

Starting in Division Eight – the bottom tier of the Bury Rounders League – they have won six straight promotions.

“The secret to the success is that the girls have grown up together, so we have a fantastic team spirit,” said Roberts.

“We have an age range from 14 to 43, but as the captain I am by far and away the oldest.

“Most of the side are around 19 years old, and came together when they were 14.

“It is getting to the point when a lot of the girls are starting to move away to university so we are having to bring some new girls through, but they all want to stay together long enough to make it to Division One - that's the aim.”

Elton Vale have two other sides, the B and C team – the A team folded a few years ago – that play in the top tier.

But rather than move up through the structure, the juniors have stayed together.

“What they have done is an outstanding achievement and we didn’t want to break that up,” the skipper added.

“They have evolved naturally. Starting in Division Eight meant they did not have to play against grown women at first, but as they have matured they are now able to compete at the top level.

“Obviously, as younger girls come through it will be more difficult for them, but for now I think they have every chance to add another promotion next season and I know they are desperate to achieve that.”