A brilliant unbeaten half-century from Gunnedah allrounder Claire McGuirk wasn't enough as the Northern Inland Bolters bowed out of the women's Regional Bash title race.
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Facing Coffs Coast in their semi-final at North Sydney Oval on Monday, a weakened Bolters attack struggled to contain the Chargers batsmen, Bush Breaker Naomi McDonald leading the way with an unbeaten 106 as they posted 0-166 from their 20 overs.
It was then always going to be a tall order for the Bolters, but they chased valiantly, finishing with 2-106.
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McGuirk batted superbly, hitting 58 from 59 and finding the rope on five occasions, while Heidi Cheadle, who was a late inclusion, made 30 from 38 at the top of the order, the two also sharing a 73 run partnership for the second wicket.
Stepping up to take the new ball McGuirk was earlier one of the best with the ball for the Bolters returning 0-29 from her four overs.
Bolters coach Luke Knight was proud of his side, who were missing a number of key players. They were particularly hard hit on the bowling front with their four frontline bowlers from their pool game all unavailable.
But he thought overall they did a pretty good job with the ball.
It was just that the Chargers batters, both whom he pointed out are NSW Country players, batted well. They were patient and "played straight" and "played good cricket shots".
"I was very impressed with the girls' bowling; 10 extras in a T20 is fantastic," Knight said.
"I'd also take 2-106, that'd win you a lot of games."
They defended less than that to earn their spot in the final four.
"It was a good experience for our team, it's not every day you get to play at the home of women's cricket," Knight added.
The region did have some representation in the final with former Northern Inland Bolter Erin Osborne coaching the ACT Aces side. They earlier accounted for the Orana Outlaws in the other semi-final.
For McGuirk there will be little rest.
She and Narrabri's Elsie Ford will both swap the pitch for the diamond on Tuesday, backing up for the North West CHS girls softball side as they begin their State Championship campaign at North Curl Curl.
