The Orana Outlaws women produced an outstanding effort in the field on Monday but it wasn't enough as their Plan B Regional Bash dreams were dashed in the semi-finals.
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The Outlaws took on the ACT Aces in the opening semi-final at the prestigious North Sydney Oval on Monday morning but despite a strong showing with the ball they suffered a 29-run defeat.
The Aces were looking ominous when they reached 2/41 after winning the toss and batting but the Outlaws, led by marquee player Julie Muir's 2/8 from four overs, fought back.
The side from the nation's capital was ultimately bowled out for 88 and while it was a target the Orana lineup was capable of reaching they were never able to get their chase going.
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Tight bowling up front from the Aces' Monica Gair and Mia Phelps piled the pressure on the batting lineup and a procession of wickets through the middle overs resulted in the Outlaws being bowled out for just 59.
Despite the loss, it was a special experience for the Outlaws women.
Many, given they live in regional areas, struggle to find regular competition to play in but the chance to play at one of the most well-known grounds in the country was a truly memorable one.
After the Aces elected to bat first it was RSL-Colts youngster Caitlin Keen who got the honour of bowling the first delivery at North Sydney Ground.
Keen was one of the numerous Outlaws bowlers who produced a fine showing with the ball and she finished with 2/15 from her four overs.
But the Aces top order handled the early tests and with Grace Lyons and Kelly Rowlings at the crease the platform had been sent.
But Outlaws captain Kira Churchland entered the attack and combined with fellow spinner Muir to put the brakes on.
Churchland, a former ACT Meteors player, claimed 1/15 while the vastly experienced Muir struck twice.
Muir, who is originally from Cowra and has captained the NSW Indigenous side previously, starred after taking five wickets in the Outlaws' opening round win over Illawarra.
The Outlaws kept chipping away to keep the Aces well under triple figures but the total of 88 still proved enough.
Katie Letcher made 10 from 18 balls at the top of the order for Orana but no other player in the lineup made double figures.
Jade Allen, Kallie Gumm, and Rowlings took two wickets each for the Aces.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
