Warragul to take on Hallora in final
Wild storms that caused widespread damage and brought more than 30 millimetres of rain overnight on Friday saw another weekend of red ball cricket sacrificed to the Weather Gods.
In what has been an unusually soggy season only two of the five scheduled two-day matches have seen play on both days.
With only three days of cricket remaining in the regular season, all players (and especially those in finals contention) will be keen to finish the season without any further interruptions.
Looking ahead, the one-day final will be contested this Sunday at Eastern Park, with Warragul taking on Hallora. The game starts at 12:30 pm.
Warragul vs Hallora
Warragul has dominated the one-day competition this season finishing top of the table with six wins from seven matches. Boasting some impressive talent in their batting line-up the Gulls have proved capable of posting big totals but are also comfortable when chasing down a target.
In a stellar return to cricket Steve Tweedle has been a focal point at the top of the order, compiling 149 runs at an average of 74.5 in the short format.
His stats include two half-centuries and a top score of 64 not out. With 218 runs from just three innings, Amandeep Singh is also one to watch. The powerful right-hander already has a century to his name against the white ball along with a second highest score of 92 not out.
Adrian Barake has been a handy inclusion with a top score of 71 while club stalwart Daniel Best (with best innings of 46 and 59) lends the weight of experience to his side.
In the bowling department, Erin MacFarlane leads the wicket tally with 12 for the season at an average of 14.5. MacFarlane’s best figures of 5/33 came against Hallora in a two-day clash early in the season.
Lachlan Waters has also enjoyed success against the Kangas snaring 4/37 in their last encounter.
Finishing in second spot with five wins, Hallora look to be a good match for the Gulls. In a team stacked with potential match winners Leigh Cook has stood out as a cut above this season.
With an incredible two centuries and two halfcenturies, Cook has amassed 320 runs at an average of 106.66 in the forty over competition.
Holding together the middle order, Daniel Sell has been a consistent performer, averaging 48.5 with a top score of 80 not out in the one-dayers.
With the ball in hand the Kangas are fortunate enough to have one of the most seasoned bowlers in the competition within their ranks. Ross Donoghue has snared 14 wickets with the white ball this season, including a rare hat-trick in round 10 where he finished with the unbelievable figures of 6/7.
Jake Dean and Darren Humphrey have often given their side an early advantage, claiming 10 wickets apiece with the new ball.
With the two sides appearing to be evenly matched this one is a tough call. The toss of the coin will be an important factor with the team that bats first getting the chance to take the upper hand.
The difference might come down to whoever bowls better, which could tip the scales in Hallora’s favour, but I think Warragul might be the ones holding the cup aloft at the end of the day.