Stags reap the rewards

B grade

Neerim District (7-150) def. Drouin (8100):

Neerim District may have endured a tough season in the home and away rounds in the upper divisions of the Warragul District Cricket Association, but the Stags have emerged from their B grade T20 final with a flag.

It followed an impressive batting performance against Drouin.

Having crucially won the toss, Neerim District made a steady start courtesy of Jack Ward and Aaron Fawcett – but the scoring rate picked up quickly once Bailey George strode to the crease.

Blasting two sixes in a nine-ball 20, the young gun ensured that the pressure on the bowlers intensified as the innings went on.

Logan Starc (who claimed 3-14 from his three overs) did his best to curb the scoring rate, but the Stags were nonetheless able to make it through to 7-150.

Needing a quick start to reduce the asking rate, the Hawks top order were instead decimated by some accurate bowling – with Kody Wilson in exceptional form.

Removing three of the top four (including the key scalp of Paul Timewell for 20), Wilson’s breakthroughs helped to reduce Drouin to 7-59 and from then on there was no doubt about who would emerge victorious.

Matt Blanch followed up his runscoring efforts from the previous day with a fighting knock down the order, but he couldn’t do enough for his side.

Man of the match: Justin Price.