The Flames suffered a 55-run defeat to the ACT Aces in their semi-final.

Shoalhaven based players Jo Kelly, sisters Lauren and Naomi Woods, along with Chantelle Downey took part.

With ACT reaching a sizeable 5-152 in the first innings, the Flames faced an uphill task to reach their target.

The women fought hard, however the total proved too much, Illawarra all out for 97 in 19.5 overs.

ACT will now take on Coffs Coast in Tuesday night's final, the Chargers comfortably defeating Newcastle in the first semi-final of the day.

The Flames run chase started well, however ACT were able to pull their opponents back through the middle overs.

Needing more than seven an over, Illawarra were always behind the eight-ball, the required run rate creeping up throughout the innings.

The Flames battled hard, however they were unable to get going, ACT picking up wickets at regular intervals.

Jo Kelly top-scored with 27, the experienced opener producing a spirited display with the bat.

The unsuccessful run chase came after the Flames struggled with the ball, wides and no balls hurting their chances.

Illawarra gifted the Aces 28 runs in extras, a total that included six no balls and 15 wides.

Naomi Woods was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 0-19 off her four overs.

Sophie Heath, Kaelah Austin, Chantelle Downey and Kate Lea each picked up a wicket, with the team also completing a run out.

After the Aces jumped out to a fast start, the Flames looked to have pulled their opponents back, two wickets in three overs seeing ACT reach 2-74 at the midway point.

The dismissals, however, brought Caitlin Galeano and Kelly Rowlings to the crease, the pair combining for a 58-run partnership to lead the Aces to an imposing total.

Rowlings, the ACT captain, eventually fell in the 18^th over for 41, her teammates adding a further 15 runs to set the Flames a target of 153. A target that ultimately proved enough to secure a place in the final.

Craig Howsan, president of the Shoalhaven and District Cricket Association, coached the Flames.