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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Armidale's Vanessa Simpson lined up in the side who faced Coffs Coast in their semi-final at North Sydney Oval on Monday.
The weakened Bolters attack struggled to contain the Chargers batters, 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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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.
