Singh on song in Gulls home victory
Warragul and Longwarry both set 200+ targets in wins over Hallora and Ellinbank respectively while Iona proved too good for Jindivick in a low scoring affair. The final between Warragul and Hallora is scheduled for Sunday 23rd of February.
Grand Final preview a fizzer
Warragul has locked in top spot on the one-day ladder with a big win over Hallora. Choosing to bat first on their home ground the Gulls set the tone early with Amandeep Singh and Steve Tweddle piling on the runs in their opening stand. Tweedle recorded his third half-century of the season before retiring on 51. Singh (100) kept the momentum going as he reached a milestone century, his first in the WDCA.
He was well supported by Adrian Barake (37) and Jack Buckingham (22 n.o.) as the Gulls set a formidable target. Brian McDonald and Jake Dean toiled hard to each snare one wicket.
In reply, a solid start from Daniel Simons (25) and Michael Lynch (25) was quickly brought undone as the Kangas lost 3/16. Erin MacFarlane (2/31) was the catalyst picking up both openers in quick succession. Leigh Cook (51) made a timely return to form but his dismissal triggered a further collapse that saw the visitors lose an incredible 5/6 as the chase fizzled out late in the day. Lachlan Waters (4/37) was the pick of the bowlers with his haul including the big scalps of Cook and McDonald.
So close for McKenna
Ellinbank were decimated by Longwarry as Ben McKenna and Jesse Lafrantz put on an absolute clinic.
Coming together with the Crows reeling at 3/64, the pair added a staggering 185 to carry their side to an imposing total. The partnership was only broken in the last over of the innings as McKenna (with a career best 95) went after a maximum as he attempted to propel his score into triple figures.
Lafrantz provided the benefit of his considerable experience, finishing with a season high 82 not out. Matt Guy was the best of the bowlers with 2/40. In reply, the Eagles quickly went into defensive mode as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Only three batsmen could muster double figures with Gilson Thoppil (19) top scoring. Lafrantz also dominated with the ball, turning the screws early to claim 3/14 off eight overs. Bob Thomas chimed in with 2/13 off five.
Tense Battle
Iona triumphed over Jindivick in a tense battle at the Regional College.
Chasing a small target, the Swamp Tigers struggled to gain any momentum as a blistering opening spell from AJ Unwin (4/23), reduced them to 5/50.
Lachlan Morris (22) and Michael Scully (21) rallied for the visitors however, and with Joel Bain chipping in 15 they got across the line with just two wickets in hand. Earlier in the day, the Jumping Jacks made a solid start through Michael Dixon (14) and Xavier Van Langenberg (16) before three quick wickets had them in trouble at 3/38. Steve Fricke (44) played a lone hand in progressing the score as Chris Phelan (4/18) and Andrew Vaughan (3/14) ran through the line-up.
The home sides innings eventually petering out in the 35th over with a disappointing 106 on the board.