The Waves took their record to 0-3 with a down-to-the-wire one-wicket defeat to Gippsland Pride at Harry Trott Oval, Albert Park.

West Warrnambool young gun Ben Threlfall again starred with 62 opening the innings as the Waves made 6-184 from a heat-reduced 35 overs.

The competitive score was  not enough, with the Pride hitting a boundary off the last ball to win the match, finishing on 9-188.

The loss followed defeats to Western Spirit, by nine runs, on day one and Southern Pioneers, by 17 runs, on day two.

“You could say nearly every day there were times in the field we might not have bowled well,” coach Mick Rantall said.

“But we’ve been so unlucky with things like French cuts and edges that have not quite gone to hand, a couple of dubious run-outs that don’t go your way.”

“To the boys’ credit, each day they have been in the right frame of mind. They’ve done very well. 

‘‘Luck hasn’t gone our way.”

Rantall lauded the efforts of all-rounder Threlfall, who has made 133 runs and taken four wickets for the week.

Top-order batsman Tim Goodman, who plays for Hamilton club St Andrew’s, has also impressed with 72 runs.

“Ben has been batting extremely well. His timing of the ball has been incredible. 

‘‘He and Tim Goodman got us off to a good start today,” Rantall said.

The Waves will take on Inner East Emus in a consolation final at Melbourne University today.

afawkes@fairfamedia.com.au