Glamorgan target silverware in Women's T20 Blast final
· Yahoo Sports
Glamorgan head coach Rachel Priest says it is "really special" to have guided her side to a second successive Women's T20 Blast Finals Day on Sunday 12 July after her side's emphatic eight-wicket win over Worcestershire.
The victory was Glamorgan's seventh in eight matches as they comfortably chased down a target of 104.
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Reaching the finals marks another achievement and step forward for a side that fell short at the semi-final stage against Yorkshire last season.
"It's huge. Obviously last season we made the semi-finals and we were disappointed not to get through to the final and to go one better this year is really special," said Priest.
"There's a bit of pressure on the girls obviously being at home and they'll feel that, but we know it's a really good achievement to make the final and we'll put our best foot forward on the day."
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Following Sunday's final round of league fixtures, Glamorgan learned they would face either Kent or Gloucestershire in the final.
The Dragons opened their campaign with a convincing 65-run win over Gloucestershire, while Kent remain the only side to have beaten Glamorgan this season, claiming an eight-wicket victory earlier in the competition.
Despite Glamorgan's strong form, Priest is refusing to look too far ahead.
"Going into a final, we just don't know what's going to happen, anything can happen on the day," the former New Zealand International said.
"It was a really good performance against Worcestershire, a really clinical performance for us to have before the final. We're just really pleased to be there and we'll see what happens."
If Kent do progress, Glamorgan will welcome the opportunity to avenge their only defeat.
"They played really well that day. All the teams have really improved and that's really positive for the competition," added Priest.
"If we play Kent again, we'll definitely be looking to go one better against them this season."
Captain Lauren Parfitt, who struck an unbeaten 72 from just 40 balls against Worcestershire, believes the experience gained from last year's Finals Day could prove invaluable.
"To have it at home, there's not many people that will get to do that," said Parfitt.
"We're really looking forward to seeing a lot of people here supporting us."
Parfitt also pointed to the momentum Glamorgan have built since their defeat to Kent, with the side carrying a three-match winning run into the final.
She did, however, admit that there are still areas to focus on, one of which may be fielding after Glamorgan missed several key catching chances against Worcestershire that stronger opposition could punish.
The occasion carries added significance with Glamorgan set to move into Tier One and professional cricket next season, but Priest believes her players have handled expectations impressively throughout the campaign.
"We've had that target on our back the whole time we've been in the competition because everyone knows we're going up," Priest said.
"I think we've handled that quite well."
With a big home crowd expected at Sophia Gardens, both the coach and captain are hoping supporters can help create a memorable occasion.
"We've been so lucky with all the support that we've had at all the games," said Priest.
"The girls love the crowd getting behind them. We'd love a big crowd on a Sunday afternoon - what better place to be, really."
And Parfitt echoes this sentiment adding: "A home final, we're really lucky to be in that position. It'll be lovely to get as many people here next Sunday as we can."
After a near-miss last season, Glamorgan now have the chance to complete their impressive League Two campaign with a trophy on home soil.