Tonners Advance with clean sweep across 2nds, 3rds and 4ths!

A highly successful Semi Final weekend has seen our 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th XI’s advance to Preliminary Finals this weekend.

 

The 2nds played Malvern away and were greeted with a good looking, but soft feeling wicket. Having lost the toss and being asked to bat, Sean Wilson got us off to a strong start before scoring became more difficult. Tom Hamilton was the rock of the innings, his 93 off 184 deliveries crucial in establishing a competitive total. A strong middle order contribution from Jack Rutter (37) had us on track to post something in the high 200 range, before a late-day collapse saw the innings come to a close for 256. A disciplined bowling performance was required on Sunday, and one man in particular stepped up to the task. James Harrod showed just why he has played so many games at 1^st XI level, with a quite phenomenal spell of bowling. After dismantling the Malvern top order, he returned later in the innings when a dangerous partnership had developed, to once again scupper any chances of an opposition victory. Final figures of 7/46 off a mammoth 30 overs proved to be the difference, as Malvern were eventually dismissed for 218 off 72 overs. We now advance to face Hoppers Crossing away this weekend.

 

The 3^rd XI were also away vs Malvern, and similarly batted first, this time by choice. Henry Pearson and Mitch Finlayson both got starts, but Connor Verney was the clear standout of the innings with a patient 57. Scoring was not easily come by, and our innings eventually drew to a close on 169 off the full 80 overs. In reply, Malvern lost wickets at fairly regular intervals, with Mitch Finlayson and Hugh Hamilton the chief destroyers, taking 7 wickets between them. A controlled and miserly bowling performance from all involved saw the hosts dismissed for 131 in the 68^th over. The 3rds will now host Balwyn at Brighton Beach Oval this weekend.

 

The 4ths were holding down the fort at home, facing Bayswater. Having won the toss and batted first, our innings was saved by Tony Sheppard (37) and Cam McKenzie (39) that enabled a semi-competitive total of 143. Harry Gower collected two early wickets that saw the visitors finish Saturday at 5/74, still requiring another 70 runs. Sunday undoubtedly belonged to Simon Fanning, who collected the last 5 wickets in a masterful spell of bowling which read 13 overs, 5/13! The 4ths will face Caulfield this weekend for a spot in the Grand Final.