Joeys reach final after Foss blinder
ST JOSEPH’S pulled off a remarkable victory, coming back from the dead to secure a place in the Geelong Advertiser T20 Cup final.
Needing 62 runs from five overs to overcome Bell Post Hill, Joeys took the game to a super over, thanks to a staggering knock from Justin Foss.
Foss belted five monster sixes at St Joseph’s College Oval in a swashbuckling 53 before hitting the winning runs in the super over.
Joeys’ victory meant North Geelong bowed out of the GCA1 tournament, despite beating Geelong City last night.
St Joseph’s coach Andrew Hodgson was thrilled with the victory post match.
“We were probably out of it at the 17-over mark but Fossy got going,” Hodgson said.
“It’s great to be in the final now against the strongest T20 club in Geelong. It’s a good feeling.”
Hodgson said he thought his team was down and out when Bell Post Hill posted 162 and had his side reeling at 5-98 after 14 overs.
“I knew it would be tough, but everyone knows how small our ground is, and a guy like Fossy hits the ball so clean straight,” he said.
“We just needed a bit of luck and fortunately he did.
“To get a win in a super over is exciting for the group. We’re looking forward to playing on Kardinia Park now.”
Hodgson lauded Foss’ knock, having only faced 25 balls for his 53.
“He’s in super form and he’s been in great touch all year,” Hodgson said.
“Tonight he came in for his first T20 game because he’d been out with injury and it was amazing hitting.
“They were sixes on most grounds, too. They were just falling over the rope, they were going into houses, so it was brilliant batting.”
In the super over, Bell Post Hill batted first, with Rhys Burke making two and Ben Muir three to set Joeys six to win.
Panther Mitch Sleeman was then tasked with restricting Leigh Kentish and Foss, but the game was won with a ball to spare.
Earlier in the day, Matt SampsonBarnes crunched 66 as the Panthers made 162.
East Belmont will now meet St Joseph’s in the Addy Cup grand final at Kardinia Park at 4pm on January 20.
Torquay will play Bell Park in the GCA2 grand final at 1pm.
In GCA3, Bannockburn will play Alexander Thomson, with the game to start at 10am.