Melton Centrals fell agonisingly short of another grand final in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition on Sunday.
Centrals finished the regular Shield 2 one-day season in third place with just one win separating the top three teams.
It meant Centrals had to face second placed Melbourne University 2 on Sunday in the semi finals for a spot in the grand final.’
Centrals won the toss and decided to bowl in the hot conditions and were able to claim an early wicket.
Melbourne University’s batters then got down to work and were able to push the score to 4-155.
The middle order finished off the innings well, with Melbourne University finishing 4-225 from its 36 overs.
Anushka Mehta top scored with 75 off 79 balls, including hitting 13 fours.
Centrals’ skipper Candace Hulett took two wickets for her side but was expensive as were most of the bowlers. Erin Keenan was the pick of the bowlers with 0-27 off her nine overs after opening the bowling.
Centrals lost two early wickets in the run chase, including that of Hulett for just 14 after she was caught and bowled by Pranavi Dhame.
It brought Liz Trakosas to the crease to join Keenan.
The two set about getting the innings back on track and managed to get them back into the game and a shot at victory.
Melbourne University though managed to bowl tight in the final few overs to restrict Centrals to 2-207.
The score was Centrals’ second highest total of the season and highest score since round two.
Trakosas made 92 off 100 balls, while Keenan was unbeaten on 60.
Melbourne University will face Parkfield in the grand final.
The minor premiers made 6-125 from their overs against Clifton Hill in the other semi final, before restricting Clifton Hill to just 49.
