Nagambie's Madison Albers contributed very handily on the day. Photos: Megan Fisher.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Nagambie has locked in its Goulburn Murray Cricket Women’s semi-final spot with a round to spare after a commanding victory over Shepparton Youth Club United at Shepparton’s Princess Park on Sunday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With finals spots on the line for both sides, the clash promised to be a thriller, and Nagambie had the first of the mini triumphs, opting to bat after winning the toss.
It proved to be the right choice as skipper Kait Carracher and Breanna Davison put on a batting masterclass to power Nagambie to a total just shy of 200.
Taking guard in the middle at number three and four respectively, Carracher and Davison blasted a combined 15 boundaries, including the only maximum of the match by Carracher.
The Lakers skipper was dismissed for 42, leaving Nagambie at 2-61, however Madison Albers picked up where Carracher left off, combining well with Davison to pile on the runs, advancing the score to 123 before Davison fell following a well-made 45 off just 32 deliveries.
Breanna Davison top-scored with 45 for Nagambie at the weekend.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Albers’ knock of 32 at number five proved pivotal, as it allowed the Nagambie total to creep up towards 200, with the scorecard showing 6-189 at the end of the 35 overs.
While the SYCU batting line-up tried bravely in the face of such an imposing total, led by an unbeaten 31 from skipper Lia Beecroft, the Lakers proved too strong with the ball, as hauls of three wickets each to Kelsey Abbott (3-8) and Sharay Slivarich (3-30) ensured Nagambie took the points away from the encounter.
While there was a slim chance of Nagambie stealing the minor premiership away from Mooroopna in the final two rounds, the Cats locked it away with a win on Sunday, meaning the Lakers have secured second spot on the ladder with the final round still to play.
Their opponent is yet to be decided, with Echuca currently occupying third spot, however both SYCU and Moama sit within striking distance, meaning any of those three sides could be lining up against the Lakers in the first week of finals.
Nagambie will take on Echuca next week in a 20-over clash at Victoria Park.
