By Nick Creely
WGCA JUNIOR GRADES
GRAND FINAL REVIEWS
All eyes will be firmly focused on the extraordinary Under 16 Red grand final between Kooweerup and Pakenham Maroon, with rain halting a match where wickets are tumbling and runs are like gold nuggets.
As a result of the rain on Sunday, the match will resume this Saturday, and it’s really anyone’s premiership to win.
A total of 17 wickets and just 100 runs fell, in a curtain raiser to the Premier grand final between the same clubs that almost superseded the seniors.
Batting first, the Lions were skittled for just 60, with only Jacobus Hynes (10) and Matthew Kouris (15) reaching double figures, with Josh Grogan (4/11) and Luke Glassborow (3/12) running through the visitors with all of their skill.
As rain loomed over Kooweerup, the Demons’ wickets tumbled in reply, with just Mitch Cammarano (17) able to do any real damage, and with the players streaming off the ground as the weather took hold, the home side sat astonishingly at 7/40, still 21 runs shy of victory and with just three wickets left in the shed.
It sets up what should be an exciting spectacle, with the drama of the Demons’ Premier premiership over the Lions set to add to the tension of the contest.
In the Under 16 White contest between Devon Meadows and Cranbourne Meadows at Glover Reserve, the Panthers sit 1/72, in reply to 6/169, with weather forcing the players from the ground.
After a terrific half century to Rebels skipper Nick Waller (50 not out), the Panthers got off to a strong start through openers Tom Arnott (26 not out) and Corey D’Alton (27), and will resume on Saturday with nine wickets in the shed and 99 runs to win.
Youngster Nick Pastras Junior, meanwhile, ensured Upper Beaconsfield could defeat Officer Gold at E Gunton Oval to claim the Under 14 Red flag, in what was an extraordinary weekend for the youngster.
Also taking out the E Grade Man of the Match with his maiden senior century, Pastras warmed into the weekend by guiding his side to a brilliant premiership.
Pastras (4/6) helped skittle the Bulltants for 99, before chiming in with 31 retired to help pass the total with four wickets left in the shed.
Jaxon Binns (24) and Blake Westra (22) each contributed strongly for the Maroons, who are chock full of exciting talent to take the club forward.
The Under 14 Green clash between Lang Lang (1/36) and Gembrook (9/101), will resume into next week, while Emerald (4/124) easily accounted for Devon Meadows (87) in the Under 14 White grand final at Chandler Reserve.
Youngster Flynn Smith (30 not out and 3/15) was the star of the show for the Bombers, in what was a brilliant year for the skipper.
In Under 12 Green, Clyde (7/165) took out the premiership against Carlisle Park Vikings (94), with Ky Williams (45) and Ben Buller (36) the stars, while in Under 12 White, Tooradin (118) defeated Devon Meadows (76) at Rutter Park.
