Caroline Springs’ premiership dreams ended in heartache with a loss to Geelong in the Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket north-west B T20 grand final on Sunday.
Chasing their first premiership, the Falcons went into the game slight favourites having claimed the minor premiership and home ground advantage.
But in front of a large crowd, the Falcons were left to pay for a below par performance with the bat.
While they were able to fight back with the ball, it wasn’t enough.
Falcons coach Troy Blackman said in the end it came down to the batting.
“We were close in the end, but we didn’t get enough runs on the board.
“Even if we got another 10 to 15 runs it might have made a difference.
“We were aiming for 110-120.”
The Falcons produced their lowest score of the season, bowled out for 78 with two overs remaining.
Just three batters reached double figures, with Jordin Williamson top scoring with 19 runs – her highest score of the season.
Blackman said not batting out their overs would prove costly later on. He said while there were some nerves in the group, Geelong’s bowling halted their momentum.
“They have a good bowling attack,” he said. “They were bowling full and at the wickets.
“They have a young attack with an older lady. She was hard to get away and she was the difference.”
Geelong got off to a good start with the bat and looked on track for an easy victory, cruising at 1-39 off seven overs.
The Falcons then tightened the screws and were able to make a game of it.
“They got the score with nine balls remaining,” Blackman said.
“We were able to pull them back at the end. They struggled to score runs at the end, they were a bit nervous.”
It was all single wicket takers for the Falcons, with Geelong finishing 4-79.
Despite the loss, Blackman said he was proud of the playing group and their achievements this year, including winning their first minor premiership.
He said the crowd at the game was the biggest he had seen at the club for a number of years.
“Hats off to the girls,” he said. “I’m really proud of the girls making the grand final in their second year in the competition.
“Last year they won two games.
“The growth and improvement of them [has been huge], they’re a good bunch of girls.”
The Falcons are skipping the one-day competition, meaning their season is over.
The younger girls will play with their junior teams for the rest of the summer.
The one-day competition starts on December 8. Melton Centrals face Geelong, while St Anthonys has the bye.
