Division 2
Garfield-Tynong (8-260) def. Hallora (193):
In a winner-takes-all clash, Garfield-Tynong emerged as the fourth finalist in division two, with their 67-run win over Hallora sealing their spot in the finals for season 2016/17.
Having posted an imposing total of 8260 last weekend, the odds were in the Titans favour, as any score above 200 usually proves tough to chase.
That fact was reflected in the Halloran innings – where a number of batsmen made starts, but none were able to push on and post the scores needed to challenge the Garfield-Tynong attack.
Stuart Kendall (37) and Mark Phillips (39) combined to lead the way at the top of the order, and their attacking intent helped push the scoring rate up early on, but the discipline of the Titans bowlers ensured that they never let the scoring get out of hand.
Matthew Maxwell (3-55), Daniel Savage (2-17 from 9.1) and Gerard Shields (3-22) applied constant pressure with the ball and were rewarded with wickets, and together they helped to dismiss Hallora for 193 in the 61st over.
Bulls finish on top
Bunyip (9-236) def. Jindivick (142): Bunyip snatched top spot on the division two table in a likely grand final preview, with their bowlers proving far too good for the Jumping Jacks.
The wicket-taking ability of Sam McMillan was on show – and his early scalps helped to well and truly put Jindivick on the back-foot.
Matt Heeps’ run of form shuddered to a halt as he made just two, Clint Boswell was bowled for six, and Steve Dillon was trapped in front without scoring as the scoreboard read 4-31.
Wickets continued to tumble – with only Harry Moore and Luke Bartlett able to provide resistance. Moore’s 42 at the top of the order was the only steadying knock in the early part of the day, while Bartlett’s unbeaten 52 helped to add some respectability to the scoreboard down the order.
In the end, McMillan finished with 555 from his 19.3 overs, as Jindivick were bundled out for 142 in the 52nd over of the day.