GMC | Gallery | Shepparton United A-grade girls slump to first loss of season

Tasked with tough conditions at Central Park, Echuca dug in through the first innings, with a Maisy Byrne 21 leading it to a competitive total of 100.

It then produced a spirited bowling performance, as it restricted United to 8-86 from its 30 overs to come away with the victory.

For Shepparton United, this result served as somewhat of a reality check, as it began the season in scintillating fashion with four straight wins.

But according to coach Steve Williams spirits among the squad haven’t dampened as the girls took a lot from the experience.

“The girls really fought it out which I was really proud of them about,” Williams said.

“To still bat out the 30 overs was really important, especially with only 10 players again, and even though there was disappointment that we lost the girls learned a lot.

“We dropped a few catches and missed a couple of run-outs which probably cost us, but being 4-1 I still feel we are in a good position and will take a lot from this game.”

Winning the toss and bowling first United got away to a fast start courtesy of Dinesha Patabandige, who struck twice with the new ball to have Echuca reeling at 3-28.

But Echuca was quick to settle into the contest, with Byrne and Gillian Noelker producing some crucial knocks through the middle overs to see the visitors up to triple figures.

Faced with a daunting chase, Shepparton United did its best to try and take the game deep, with Raechel Gardiner anchoring the chase with a patient 27 off 58 balls.

But at the end of the day it didn’t have the class, falling 14 runs short in what was a thrilling day’s cricket at Central Park.

Although United was unable to come away with the points, it did celebrate a major milestone with Gardiner becoming the first player to score 500 runs for the club’s female program.

Williams said it was a crazy day for Gardiner, as she battled on throughout the day and ended being his team’s star player despite suffering an injury in the opening stages of the game.

“Raechel Gardiner put in an astounding all-round effort,” he said.

“She bowled well and fielded superbly despite actually breaking her finger diving for a catch at the start of the match.

“After that she threw down the stumps with an excellent run-out, took two wickets and then came in to bat and made a great 27 which nearly saw us steal the game.”

As a result of a fixture rejig, United will not return to the field until January 22 where it will play a double-header before the finals series begins.

In the B-grade, Shepparton United produced a thrilling three-run victory over Rochester at Moon Oval.

The result catapulted United into third spot on the ladder as it continues to push for a finals spot.