It may only be its debut season, but Nagambie is making waves in the Goulburn Murray Women’s Cricket competition.
After a loss to undefeated league leaders and fellow debutants Mooroopna in their previous outing, the Lakers were determined to get the job done and seal their postseason place.
The Lakers were in scintillating form at the Nathalia Showgrounds on Saturday morning as they strangled the opposition’s batting line-up.
Kelsey Abbott was the standout with the bat and saw Nagambie across the line with a seven-wicket victory.
Match report:
Nathalia won the toss and elected to bat first.
While the Nagambie bowling attack did not tear through the opposition line-up, they did the next best thing.
Consistent bowling from the Lakers and excellent fielding meant runs were hard to come by for Nathalia.
Rylee Alderton, Sarah Villinger, Sandy Ezard and Shelley Houston all bowled maidens.
Alderton and Shae Merrifield both claimed wickets.
After 20 overs, Nagambie had held the home side to 47 runs, setting itself up for a seemingly straightforward run chase.
But, the tide flipped on its head as opening batters, Shae and Evie Merrifield, were out for a pair of golden ducks, with Shae bowled and Evie caught.
With Chelsea Kennedy bowled on three not long after, Nagambie looked in trouble, but Kelsey Abbott and captain Kait Carracher relished the pressure.
Abbott hit 25 runs off 27 balls, and Carracher racked up 14 off 18 balls to close out the game.
Nagambie surpassed Nathalia’s total in 10.3 overs with seven wickets to spare.
The win sees Nagambie cement a spot in the top six with one regular season game to be played.
A spot in the top four all comes down to the final week of play as fourth-placed Nagambie plays fifth-placed Katty Tigers Senior Women.
The winners will finish in the top four, but both sides will play in an elimination final in the first week of finals.