GISBORNE District Cricket Association (GDCA) fell desperately short of a second win from two games in the Central Highland Region 3 women’s competition on Wednesday night.
Fielding a team which featured Kilmore regular Taylah Logie, Wallan’s Megan Farrell and Kia Montgomery, Lancefield quartet Nat and Brooke Jeffrey, Anita McMaster and Luzanne Paeglitis, hopes were high that the GDCA could back up from their win against Ballarat earlier in the tournament.
Played at Maddingley Park in Bacchus Marsh, the GDCA were tasked with fielding first against Castlemaine, who brought a strong group of players into the match.
It proved to be a difficult task getting the Castlemaine top order to lose their wickets, but more importantly, the GDCA kept the run rate to a minimum.
Castlemaine duo Tia Davidge and Eve Righetti provided the bulk of the runs, sharing in a 120-run partnership, before finishing at 1/140.
In chasing, the GDCA got off to a shaky start, but were quickly steered in the right direction by Kim Bessell and Nat, who combined for a 112-run partnership.
It appeared the GDCA looked comfortable with five overs to go, but the loss of Bessell for 69 changed the game, and Nat was dismissed soon after for 36.
Castlemaine rescued the run rate to get in front, and Logie required a four off the last ball, but was unable to get the ball to the rope.
It meant that Castlemaine had won by two runs, with the GDCA finishing on 4/138.
Just one game remains in the tri-series, with the GDCA sitting out, while Castlemaine and Ballarat will battle at Newstead tomorrow night.
A victory for Ballarat will see the GDCA finish second on the ladder.
