It was disappointment for Craigieburn in the T20 grand final of Cricket Victoria’s Women’s Community Cricket Competition on Sunday.
Looking to win the first of two titles for the season in the north-west competition, Craigieburn struggled against a fired-up Edinburgh, a side they had beaten the previous week.
Craigieburn collapsed with the bat to make only 8-52 from its 20 overs, with Bianca Maes (4-6) the destroyer.
In reply, Edinburgh made the runs with ease to win by nine wickets, Maes capping off a best-afield performance with 27 not out.
Taylah Logie took the wicket for Craigieburn.
Craigieburn coach David Woodgate said before the game the side had been aiming for the T20 grand final.
“We had to win last week against Edinburgh, who is the top side, to make the final and we achieved that,” he said.
“We won the 40-over competition a couple of years ago then lost the T20 grand final in the same season. We then set ourselves the a goal to win this competition.
“We were hoping to make the finals in both competitions this year so it’s pleasing to make the
T20 grand final.”
Craigieburn sits second on the 40-over ladder so is on track to make the finals there, too.
“I think we’re a better 40 over side,” Woodgate said. “Most of the girls have had to swap styles for the T20 game.
“We basically want consistent performances for the rest of the year . . . and play finals.”
Woodgate said the bowlers were the key to Craigieburn’s hopes.
“That’s our strength,” he said. “There hasn’t been an overall standout, but each week someone will perform.
“It someone is down, someone else will put their hand up.”
Woodgate said the women’s side had about 15 regular players and more girls were playing in the junior competition.
“Most of our group is in their 20s or early 30s, with a couple of older ones,” he said.
“There are a couple of girls playing [with boys] in the under-10s and one in the under-12s.
Hopefully more girls will play in the next few years as they can play seniors at 14.
“We’re sure there will be a big push to form a girls’ team in years to come,” he said.
