It was as close as it gets for Kyabram in round six of the Goulburn Murray Cricket women’s competition.
The Redbacks came within just three runs of securing their first victory of the season but were denied in the final over by a composed Cooma outfit on Thursday.
Cooma batted first but Kyabram’s opening bowling combination of Grace Hammond and Georgia Leonard got their side started on the front foot.
The pair kept the runs to a minimum and Hammond removed opener Ruby Harman in the third over, leaving Cooma at 1-2 after three overs.
Leonard got in on the action the following over, dismissing Cathy Dervish for five to keep the Redbacks in the ascendancy.
Another strong Redbacks spell in the middle overs saw Cooma lose 4-7, reducing the host to a precarious 6-40.
Breanna Baker got the mission back on track, making a composed 24 unbeaten, supported late by nine not out from Josie Pacitto as Cooma posted 7-88 in its 20 overs.
Becky Bruce took 2-7 as the only multiple wicket-taker for Ky, Hammond, Leonard, Rebecca Bowles, and Kylie Parsons all taking scalps.
Kyabram’s run chase had its ups and downs, as several batters stood up throughout the innings.
Melissa Parsons started her side off strongly with a valuable 12 from 14 and Georgia Leonard kept the run rate up with 13 off 10 deliveries.
Rebecca Bowles came to the crease and was a constant as teammates began to fall.
She retired not out with 18 from her 30 balls, leaving the job to Holly Nelson and Grace Hammond late in the order.
Miscommunication costs Hammond (4) her wicket via run out, but Kyabram was within striking distance at 8-79.
The Redbacks got within four runs of victory when Nelson (9) lost her stumps to the bowling of Breanna Baker, returning Bowles, the last available batter, to the middle for the final two balls of the innings.
Coming off a stint on the bench, Baker’s line and length proved too accurate for Bowles who was only able to sneak a single off the final delivery, Kyabram two runs short of Cooma’s total at 9-86.
Baker’s miserly 3-7 proved vital for the victorious Cooma, Cathy Dervish also contributing three wickets.
Next Sunday, Kyabram will visit Nathalia Showgrounds to take on Nathalia.