Hawks soar into semi-final clash
DRYSDALE has stormed its way into a semi-final clash with Anglesea after a ruthless bowling performance against Queenscliff at home.
In danger of losing fourth spot after only posting 153 last week, the Hawks claimed seven wickets in the space of 22 runs on Saturday to have Queenscliff all out for just 82 — and deny fifth-placed Barwon Heads the chance to leapfrog them on percentage.
“It’s a relief after the last couple of weeks,” sidelined captain-coach Leigh Allan said.
Allan, who is unlikely to take any part in the side’s finals campaign due to a hip injury, was full of praise for his bowling attack, now preparing to face premiership favourite Anglesea.
“There was a real resolve to bowl well and win the game,” he said.
“We put it together with a tremendous bowling performance this week and we can go into finals next week full of confidence.”
Paceman Luke Malcolm set the tone early after the Coutas started the day at 1-16, trapping opener Glen Potter leg-before in the second over with his first delivery of the day.
Fellow bowler David Sykes had danger man Michael Farrell caught for just eight as Queenscliff made it to the drinks break only needing 94 runs with seven wickets still in hand.
But a game-defining spell from Hawks paceman Brett Harding broke the Coutas’ back, as he dismissed captaincoach Toby Smith (0) and key batsman Tom Johnston (29) without conceding a run.
The medium-pacer then backed it up with the scalp of Tom Bakker (4) to bring Queenscliff to its knees at 6-69.
All-rounder Jason Mallett picked up a pair of wickets, as the 2017-18 season came to a sudden close for Queenscliff, which failed to even make it to the tea break.
The win ended a nervous week for Drysdale, which faced the prospect of missing out on finals despite finding itself unbeaten after Round 7.