GLOUCESTERSHIRE Girls claimed an excellent third place finish at the ECB U18 T20 finals day in Loughborough after pushing eventual champions Lancashire all the way in their opening game.
Opener Isobel Patel top scored with a superb 60 from 48 (seven fours) as Gloucestershire totalled 123-8 after losing the toss against Lancashire.
Captain Bea Ellis hit 23 and Katie Dolman was unbeaten on 19 for their side who then worked hard in the field to take the game to the final over, Lancashire eventually prevailing by four wickets with just two balls to spare, Liv Daniels taking 2-23 from four.
This result put Gloucestershire into a play-off against Leicestershire who came up ten runs short in another tight contest.
Prarthana Reddy (35 not), Gaby Reeves (22), Katie Jones (21) and Isobel (18) were the main contributors as Gloucestershire battled their way to 114-9.
But that total proved to be just enough thanks to another fine effort with the ball, led by Rachel Le Poidevin (4-15 from four) and Lily Knox (2-16 from three) with Liv Daniels, Olivia Brock and Bea also taking wickets.
Lancashire, meanwhile, were crowned national champions after edging Middlesex on wickets lost with the scores level on 83 runs apiece.