Bankers down Hallora for first final in 28 years
Ellinbank has made their first division one grand final in 28 years, downing favourites Hallora in an instant classic.
Losing the toss and bowling on a fast Hallora track, the Eagles found themselves on the back foot early, as the Kangas' outstanding batting shone through. Damon Healy (26) looked threatening, before Brett Williams (34) and Fraser Duncan (42) pushed the score to 1-102 as Ellinbank searched for answers.
That answer was the reborn Jeremy Gray- by far his greatest bowling season went to new heights, as he picked up wickets at will to stymie the rampant Hallora side. Liam Serong (0), Natsai M'Shangwe (5) and Craig Byrnes (1) all fell to Gray, as Hallora slipped to 6-143 in the blink of an eye- with only Cam McPhan at the crease to hold anchor for the home side. He made a classy 42 to put pressure back on the Eagles, with he, Aidan Phillips (12) and Jimmy Williams (10*) able to push Hallora's total to 191- Gray (6-39) the pick of the bowlers for Ellinbank, but a larger effort needed with the bat.
In reply, Troy Ferguson (16) and Kim Drew (14) got the Eagles off to a breezy start, however Tom Williams (2-19) and Liam Serong (2-38) pegged Ellinbank back- as key wickets such as Matt Farthing (10) and Daniel Pandolfo (0) couldn't get going. Slumped at 4-53, Ellinbank needed a spark- and received it from their best two players, as Nick Fairbank and Sean Masterson kept the dream alive.
The pair batted fearlessly, giving Ellinbank unbridled hope- Masterson (45) held the innings together, whilst Fairbank (34) was typically more aggressive.
Cam McPhan (2-32) took the key wicket of Masterson as Hallora fought to take control, and, as the light dwindled, they did- Ellinbank fell to 8-162 and all seemed lost. Amal Mahathelge (21) and Jeremy Gray were able to stave off defeat as the battle went to the death- the ninth wicket falling with nine still required. Chris Perry (5*) came in and struck a crucial boundary, before the heroic, stalwart Gray continued his miraculous game- slashing one over mid-on to see Ellinbank home and giving them celebrations that were 28-years in the making.
Western Park v Neerim District
Western Park has staved off elimination, ending Neerim's premiership dreams on Saturday. Winning the toss and bowling, the Warriors' decision was vindicated as Jason Croft (1-22) and Toby Bransgrove (2-41) claimed early scalps.
Leigh Diston (2-19) was slightly wayward but made amends with two key quick wickets- Jack Ward (21) and Kody Wilson (17). Nathan Bayne (1) fell soon after to Sanjaya Gangodawila (219) before Heath Darcy fell to a run-out to leave the Stags in strife at 6-55, with their season hanging in the balance. Dane Fawcett (23) came out with ferocity to turn the momentum, as he and Danny Sheehan put on 48 to push the score past triple figures. Once Fawcett was dismissed Sheehan went on the attack, and it took a direct hit run-out to stop the momentary carnage- as the powerful left-hander struck a quickfire 43 to give the visitors hope. Aaron Fawcett (18*) added handy late runs to give Neerim a defendable target of 151, as both sides looked to keep their season alive.
In reply, the Warriors finals demons shone to the fore early, as they slipped to 3-39- Dane Fawcett (2-41) and Toby Bayne (2-25) making the most of the new ball as Jack Armour (14), Sanjaya Gangodawila (12) and Leigh Diston (1) failed to fire. However, a fightback- led by Sam and Joel Batson, ensured that the match became a battle. Sam (62*) was at his aggressive best, and after struggling early, found his stride against the change bowlers. Joel (37) provided support, as the pair added 91 to put the game to bed. A late wicket generated hope for the Stags, but Sam Batson was joined by Harry Moore, and the pair was able to see the Warriors to safety with six wickets to spare.