Finalists ready for clash at the 鈥楪

During a thrilling conclusion to the preliminary rounds yesterday, and with four sides still in contention for a berth at the ‘G, any slip up would prove disastrous for the contenders.

Leading the competition heading into the final day, South East Metro endured some nervous moments against a Nicola Hancock led South West.

On a tricky wicket, South Metro lost Charlotte Killeen and Ellie Hearne early in the piece, but were steadied by Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit rookie Alana King (48) and Tilly Lucas-Rodd (39).

South East eventually scratched out a competitive 159, which ultimately proved enough, dismissing South West for just 73.

Hancock proved her class yet again, scoring 38, to finish with 266 runs for the competition at an average of 133.

A narrow victory to Gippsland over North Metro ensured the Pride’s place in the state final following Central Highlands’ defeat.

Hannah Watson’s 3-12 helped dismiss North Metro for just 108, but a mid-order collapse from the Pride saw their opponents edging toward an unlikely victory.

Arriving at the crease at 6-50, Jaimi Turnbull (45*) and Amy Harrison (12*) were charged with rescuing the Pride from defeat, and the pair never looked headed as they steered their outfit to the hallowed MCG.

The day did not pan out for Central Highlands in the same vein, going down to Northern Rivers on the back of a century to Julia Crockett-Grills (109).

Crocket-Grills, who up until this fixture boasted the modest return of 59 runs for the competition, smashed the Central Highlands attack around AK Line Reserve for a run-a-ball century.

Jenna Bruton continued her outstanding carnival by claiming 3-39.

The Rivers’ total of 159 would prove too much for the Highlanders, who required victory to advance to the decider, dismissed for 87.

Breese Jenkins starred with the ball with an impressive 4-14.

In other matches, East Metro easily accounted for the North East Knights after posting an imposing 5-227 in the first innings.

Rebecca Carter (67), Sarah Chancellor-Goddard (53) and Jasmin Harrison (50) ensured that East would go out with a win from this year’s championships.

The Knights innings failed to secure momentum, eventually dismissed for 111, courtesy of Rachel O’Regan (3-15) and Taylor Gregory (3-10).

While in the day’s final match, Western Waves were too good for South East Sharks, prevailing by 62 runs at Donvale Reserve.

Lauren McLean was the difference, scoring a hard fought 73, before taking 2-15 from eight overs to dismiss the Sharks for 104.

The Under-18 VicSpirit Championships final between South East Metro and Gippsland Pride will be staged at the MCG on February 24.

For score updates be sure to follow @CVPathway on Twitter or ‘like’ the CV Pathway Facebook page.

To view full results from the Under-18 VicSpirit Pathway Championships, click here.

Image courtesy of Elyse Villani.