By Tyler Lewis
AROUND THE GROUNDS
WDCA – SEMI-FINALS
It will be a 2016/17 grand final rematch in the Warragul District Cricket Association as Western Park and Hallora will face off again for the ultimate prize.
The two top-seeded sides handled their respective opponents in week one of the finals.
Western Park won the toss and opted to bat in its clash against Yarragon and, despite being in early trouble at 2/8, the Parkers, courtesy of the Batson boys, posted 200.
Sam Batson struck 50, as did Joel.
The Parkers held firm in not allowing Gamini Kumara to get amongst the wickets on day one, keeping him wicket-less. However, Lahiru Jayakody jagged 3/32.
In reply, there were concerning signs for the home side as Kumara begun to work away the runs, but once he was removed by Sam Batson, the flood gates opened.
Kumara was the first to go in the final collapse of the year as the Parkers claimed 7/60 to storm into the grand final.
Sam Batson finished with 5/50.
In the corresponding finals match, Hallora made light work of Drouin’s total on day two.
The Hawks posted just 168, with Lauchlan Gregson jagging 5/63.
In reply, Hallora reeled in the total with ease, despite being 2/24 early on.
Jai Newcombe finished with a steady 42 not out as his side finished 5/170 in the 70th over.
Western Park and Hallora will do battle for the WDCA prize this weekend, which is set to commence at 1pm at Drouin’s Bellbird Park.
MPCA – PENINSULA
Ex-Victorian champion Simon Dart has led his Red Hill side into the big dance after edging out the Pines.
Dart played a steady role, crunching 56 as his side got 9/190.
And in the corresponding fixture, Somerville held on to secure a one-wicket win over Long Island.
Long Island posted 162, and the Eagles reeled that in with just one wicket in the shed as tailender Luke Rowe made a vital 32 not out; slapping a four to bring up the win in the 32 run 10th wicket stand.
VSDCA – EAST/WEST
It will be Werribee and Williamstown in the VSDCA grand final.
Williamstown stormed into the grand final with the first innings total of 9/235 before bowling out Altona for just 109.
Werribee, meanwhile, got the best of Yarraville in its semi-final.
Chasing 242, Werribee looked to be out of the contest, but an unbeaten century from Matt Gudde guided the visitors past the total in just 64 overs.
NOTE: At the time of going to print there was genuine uncertainty about whether or not this weekend’s games would go ahead. Cricket Australia strongly recommended the cancellation of all Premier and community cricket.
