By Tara Murray
Jacana couldn’t take a trick as its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield division 5 season came to an end.
Facing minor premiers Melton Centrals in a semi-final, the Jaguars found themselves behind the eight ball early.
Jaguars’ captain Brett Jensen said there were signs early on it wasn’t going to be their weekend.
“They made 245 but we had a few things not go our way,” he said.
“Our leading wicket taker for the season wasn’t available to play. Our second leading wicket taker was red carded before drinks and then our third leading wicket taker was injured before drinks.
“We fielded one short for most of the day.
“I thought we did well to keep them to that score considering and we were playing on a small ground.”
Brodie Fitzpatrick was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-65.
Jensen said they were still confident they weren’t out of the game.
The Jaguars resumed on day two, with eight wickets in hand, but again things didn’t go their way.
“I thought we were still in a good position when the rain hit,” Jensen said.
“We lost 20-odd overs due to the rain.
“It meant we were looking to score a lot quicker and it put them in the box seat.”
The Jaguars were eventually bowled out for 122 in the 61st over.
Photo Gallery: Melton Centrals vs Jacana
Jensen said Rhys Evans was the pick of the batsmen making 40-odd, having faced most of the 20 overs the Jaguars faced on Saturday afternoon.
“We had a few players get starts and looking alright, but we couldn’t get the scoreboard ticking over enough.”
The loss ends a season which has had so many positives across the grades for the Jaguars.
For the first XI side, the season has been one they can build on.
“We were pretty confident that we were still good enough to beat anyone on our day,” Jensen said.
“A few players are hurting at the moment and are really feeling it. Hopefully it’s some motivation for next season.”
Melton Centrals will face Aberfeldie Park in the grand final. Aberfeldie Park won through with victory against Gellibrand.
In other divisions, Strathmore will play Doutta Stars in the senior grand final after wins against Keilor and Sunshine United respectively.
Druids will play Airport West St Christophers in the division 1 west grand final and Haig Fawkner will face St Francis de Sales in the division 1 north grand final.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-heights-season-ends/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sydenham-hillside-seniors-in-chase-for-triple-treat/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/melton-centrals-eye-off-a-flag/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-uniteds-season-draws-to-a-close/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-overcomes-nerves-to-outplay-williamstown/
