Bears back in T20 final again
LADDER leader Marshall booked a place in the GCA2 Twenty20 final with a comprehensive win against Torquay at South Barwon Reserve.
In a clash of premiership contenders, the Bears made a statement with both bat and ball to chalk up their ninth-straight win.
After a sedate start, Kal and Jake Dubbeldam, and Lachie Cameron put the foot down through the middle overs as they took a liking to Torquay’s vaunted seam attack.
Kal Dubbeldam departed in the 12th over for 54 from 26 balls, leaving Cameron (38) and Jake Dubbeldam (48 not out) to up the ante as the Bears peeled off 85 runs from the final 10 overs.
Terry Hill was the best of the
Torquay bowlers, claiming 1-25 from four overs.
The Tigers struggled in reply, as Marshall co-coach Stan Grazotis and Brad Greenwood applied plenty of pressure with the new ball.
Tom Beasley, in his second match since returning from a shoulder injury, bowled well through the middle overs and claimed 3-16 from four overs.
Jake Dubbeldam was just as tight, picking up 2-16.
“It was pretty crazy to be honest,” Grazotis said of Marshall’s batting.
“We were 30 after five and then went at 10s for 15 overs. After the first over, they pretty much needed 10 an over for most of the innings and the scoreboard pressure was too much
“Everyone is going really well and playing their role. We’re batting to eight or nine and we’ve got seven genuine bowlers.
“Our depth held us in really good stead before Christmas because we had some injuries and guys with work commitments and it’s definitely the reason we’re in the position we’re in.”
Marshall takes on Bell Post Hill in the T20 final on Australia Day in what may be a preview of the regular season decider.
The match, on neutral turf at Modewarre, will be the Bears’ fourth T20 final in five seasons.
“We’re looking forward to it. Bell Post Hill are a quality outfit and it will be good to challenge ourselves against them because they’re going pretty well,” Grazotis said.
Following the T20 final, the Bears will face another contender in Geelong City in Round 11.