Under-18s fall at last hurdle

In identical fashion to the 2011-12 tournament, Victoria headed into the Final full of confidence having defeated their rival earlier in the series but were outplayed in the decider.

NSW posted 7-253, despite two wickets from Julia Crockett-Grills (2-39), Sarah Chancellor- Goddard (2-39) and Nicola Hancock (2-51).

Early wickets immediately had the home side on the back foot with Emily Smith (46) the only top-order batter to pass double figures.

Kyra Black (31) and Charlotte Kileen (13*) shared in a 47-run partnership for the final wicket as Victoria were dismissed for 133.

After the match, wicket-keeper Teagan Parker, leg spinning all-rounder Alana King and skipper Sarah Chancellor-Goddard were all named in the team of the tournament.

Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit rookie Kate Dempsey top-scored for the side during the series with 175 runs, at an average of 35, while Chancellor-Goddard led the way with 11 wickets.

Victorian assistant coach Emma Inglis said the team took the loss hard.

“The girls were shattered,” Inglis said.

“We let them get too many runs – we dropped five catches in the field.”

Inglis praised all the players for a fantastic week, especially the three girls who were named in the team of the tournament.

“SCG (Chancellor-Goddard) led the team really well, on and off the field, she was very impressive,” Inglis said.

“Parker kept well all week while King broke a lot of crucial partnerships.”

To see full results from the Under-18 National Championships, click here.