Talarico in vintage form

GROVEDALE will take impressive form into its semifinal with East Belmont, after a vintage knock from Glen Talarico (80) steered the Tigers to a comfortable win over Lara at Burdoo Reserve.

The host claimed the points five wickets down as Anthony Quarrell (48), Michael Kelson (23) and Luke Ford (24) all got starts before Talarico and Gareth Yelland (41 not out) ensured the points and elevation into second place on the table.

While Talarico paced his 104-ball knock, Yelland savaged the Cats’ attack with three sixes in his unconquered 36-ball stay.

Their five-wicket union was good for 80 runs to bring the Tigers to the cusp of victory.

“At the start of the day we j just wanted to make sure we got the win,” captain-coach Barry Tsitas said.

“It was really good for some of those guys to spend a bit of time out there.

“Winning the club championship was also a priority and we did that; it’s something we’re enormously proud of.”

Brad McMaster was the Cats’ sole multiple wicket taker with 2-17, although Luke Wilson (1-41) generated pace with the new ball and Danny Hughes (1-39) found good lines to test Grovedale’s upper order.

Despite the selection dilemma of adding Nick Hyden to the line-up, Tsitas is optimistic about the encounter with the Lions.

“We’ve beaten every other side in the four, so we’re really looking forward to next week,” he said.