Big win over Norths provides boost leading into semi- finals Wests on a charge
WESTS have landed a big mental blow over Norths as they prepare to face off in next weekend’s Townsville Cricket semi- finals after claiming a seven- wicket win at Mick Downey Oval on Saturday.
Jaymie Dunlop ( 4- 20) and captain Shaun Curnow ( 4- 16) led the bowling attack as Wests skittled Norths for just 105 before Jack Raffles ( 50) and Oliver Dickinson ( 40no) made quick work of the run chase.
Opener Josh De Munari ( 34) was the standout with the bat for Norths, but they struggled to build partnerships as Wests ripped through the tail with three players making ducks.
In reply, a 94- run opening stand from Raffles and Dickinson all but had Wests home as they needed just 26 overs to chase the target and leapfrog Norths into second on the ladder.
Wests are now assured of a place in the grand final against Sub Parks should next weekend’s semi be affec- ted by rain and Curnow said the win was a nice confidence boost as they prepare to face Norths again.
“The first 15 overs were a bit poor for us, but last two hours were near perfect bowling so hopefully we can take a fair bit of confidence from that,” he said.
“I said to the boys, we were only one point behind them so a good win would take us to second and who knows what the weather will do next week with all the rain around.
“We know that we can beat them quite comfortably so it’s definitely a good spot to be in.”
Defending champions Sub Parks look in ominous touch ahead of the grand final following a 205- run win over Saints at Riverway Stadium.
Riley Ward ( 107) and Sean Danaher ( 76) combined for a 167- run stand as Sub Parks posted 7- 281 before Jamie Heit ( 3- 5) led the attack as they bowled out Saints for 76.
Brothers finished their season on a high with a 95- run win over Wanderers at John McCulloch Oval. Brendan Haylett was the standout with an unbeaten 37 with the bat as Brothers posted 171 before he took 5- 20 to help dismiss Wanderers for 76 in reply.