Duncan gets Gippsland cap
A remarkable if anticlimactic 99 from opener Rohan Blandford proved to be the match winner as Bairnsdale stormed home to win their 10th senior Gippsland Cricket League title against Sale-Maffra at Leongatha’s Scorpion Park.
After winning the toss Bairnsdale had no hesitation in electing to bat first on a ‘fill-yourboots’ type pitch, eventually posting 5/238.
Sale-Maffra put in a determined effort but were bowled out for 197.
Warragul District Cricket Association batsman Fraser Duncan capped the season with selection in the All Gippsland XI.
For the first time since 1988, and the first time in the under 18s age group, Central Gippsland returned home as the premier youth association in Gippsland.
At the post-match presentation Benn Zomer was awarded man of the match for his efforts with the bat as Central Gippsland celebrated their second premiership in as many weeks after securing the Cameron White T20 cup the week prior.
A first-class bowling performance from Jake Wynd saw Sale-Maffra win the under 16s final in a good contest at Korrumburra.
Handy partnerships saw Sale-Maffra post 9/112, before Wynd picked up 3/16 to restrict Central Gippsland in reply.
For a full GCL report, read the West Gippsland and Baw Baw Trader. All Gippsland XI: Batsmen: Scott Davidson (Bairnsdale); David Newman (Leongatha and District); Bradley Scott (Sale-Maffra); Nathan Massey (SaleMaffra); Fraser Duncan (Warragul and District); Chris Lehner (Traralgon and District).
Bowlers: Stephan Grobler (Bairnsdale); Lee Stockdale (Traralgon and District); Max Merton (Traralgon and District); Jack Rietschel (Sale-Maffra); Jack Tatterson (Sale-Maffra). Wicket-keeper: Reagan Kyle (Bairnsdale). For a full GCL report, read the West Gippsland and Baw Baw Trader.