Preliminary Final Weekend

It was all to play for right across Melbourne, as our 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th XI’s battled for a spot in the Grand Final.

 

The 2nds ventured over the Westgate Bridge out to new surroundings for VSDCA cricket, Hoppers Crossing. Winning the toss and batting, Sean Wilson was the star of our innings with a patient and controlled 75. Having navigated our way to 3/141 off 55 a strong platform had been established, however, a middle order collapse would quickly see this become 7/154 some ten overs later. Late order contributions from James Harrod (29) and Sam Kimpton (22) helped us post 218, not as much as it might have been but still a very defendable total. Day 2 was the Darcy Kennelly show. Another bowler to claim 7 wickets in a final and completely dominate the game. His figures of 7/63 off nearly 22 overs represented a combination of dangerous and accurate bowling that helped us dismiss Hoppers Crossing for 138. The 2nds will now face Oakleigh at Brighton Beach Oval in the Grand Final this weekend.

 

The 3rds were at home facing Balwyn and were asked to bat on a lively but hard wicket. Our batting innings unfortunately never got going, as only Hugh Hamilton was able to make it past 20, scoring 32. Bowled out for 118 in 57 overs, we went in search of wickets on Saturday afternoon, but came up empty handed as Balwyn closed out the day 0/36. Things didn’t get much better on Sunday as the visitors chased down our target successfully after 45 overs for the loss of 2 wickets, bringing the season to an end.

 

The 4ths played long-time South group rivals Caulfield, on their main oval. A pristine looking pitch gave the Caulfield captain no hesitation in batting first on Saturday, and his troops did so successfully, amassing 6/300 off 80 overs. Club President Bernie Mutimer was the pick of the bowlers with 3/65 off 19 overs. Our innings showed some promise, with Simon Fanning’s 54 and Tony Sheppard making 36, but wickets fell too regularly around them and we were bowled out for 182 in the 71^st over.

 

Grand Final – Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th March – 2^nd XI vs Oakleigh CC @ Brighton Beach Oval