Tara Murray
It was grand final disappointment for Lancefield in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association women’s division 1 grand final.
Excited to have made a grand final in their first season, the Tigers put on a good fight against Youlden-Parkville but fell just short.
Tigers skipper Emily Consiglio said they were proud of what they had achieved in their first season.
“It was really good, it was a bit disappointing in the end,” she said.
“It’s our first year of entering a women’s side and first one for Lancefield, to even get in the grand final is phenomenal start to begin with.
“We’ll take it.”
The Tigers entered the grand final without three key players including wicketkeeper Mikaela Holman who missed the game due to an achilles injury.
It meant the others had to share the keeping duties, including Consiglio who said she had only kept twice in her career.
Lancefield started poorly and were 3-26.
They were able to recover and make 5-138.
Consiglio said they were happy with how they responded. Bella Vandervalk finished 50 not out.
“It was looking a bit bleak in the first few overs. To still put 138 on the board was absolutely phenomenal and it was great work by our middle and lower end batters.
“Bella is my vice captain and I couldn’t do it without her. She’s an absolute inspiration to young cricketers coming up and is the backbone for the rest of the team.
“She carried us right though, couldn’t be more proud of her and the whole team.”
Consiglio knew it would take a good bowling performance to get win.
The Tigers got one early wicket, but they couldn’t follow it up with a couple more quick ones.
Youlden-Parkville looked solid throughout and made the runs with ease, finishing 4-139.
Vandervalk and Kristy Carbis took two wickets each.
“A couple of opportunities that went past us for one way or another, that’s cricket I guess.
“We worked hard, but there has got to be a winner and loser.
“The spirit of the Tigers is never give up and they had to work hard for it. We can hold our heads up for the whole game.”
