Longwarry find final berth after tense win
Division two Longwarry v Iona
Longwarry has booked their place in the grand final with a tense victory over Iona on Saturday. Bowling first, the Crows faced strong opposition early- as Luke Gilbert (43) and Graeme Rankin (38) showed their class with a strong opening stand of 76.
Longwarry's plan all year has revolved around spin through the middle overs, however- and it was the skill of Jonah Serong on show again. Serong- who famously took six wickets as a teenager in a Grand Final at this venue several years ago- claimed another bag, as only the likes of Liam Lenders (22) and Mick Taylor (14) were able to stem the flow. Serong ended with 5-35 off his allotted overs, as a collapse of 8-80 saw Iona make 8-156.
In reply, Longwarry got off to a strong startdespite the early loss of Serong (11), Yashan Samarasinghe (29) and Dylan Serong (39) came out with intent to set up the chase. A brilliant spell from Travis Kitchin (3-27) pegged the favourites back, as Longwarry slipped to 4-84, setting up a grandstand finish. Luckily for the Crows, they had perhaps the greatest trump card of all- WDCA legend Dale Serong- to dig them out of trouble; the explosive right-hander slashed 40 not out in quick time to see Longwarry home with two overs to spare.
Western Park v Hallora
Hallora has survived elimination with a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Western Park. Bowling first, Mark Phillips (2-13) struck early, however Matt Roberts (35) and Dale Fawcett (16) rebuilt the innings to leave the Warriors in a position of strength. Jeff Walsh (42) continued the momentum, however the likes of Jack Barnes and the rest of the middle-order were stymied, as the runs ground to a halt. Steve Fox (4-20) and Alex Henshall (3-19) were brilliantas the Warriors were restricted to 9-141, giving the Kangas a real shot at a famous win.
In reply, the match teetered on a knife's edge for the entirety of the Hallora innings. Ebbs and flows were plentiful, as no Hallora batsmen could make a match-defining knock- Dave Macdermid (19), Lachie Pratt (19), Brayden Notman (15) and Alex Henshall (14) all looked set to see Hallora home, but Western Park were dogged. A late push from Jack Walsh (2-22), Dave Burn (2-26) and Angus Geals (2-33) appeared to put the Warriors in a position of strength- as regular wickets gave way to a collapse, leaving the visitors in strife at 8-123. In typical Hallora fashion, however, they fought back with a final gasp- ice-man Mark Phillips (25*) was as clutch as always, as he saved his side from elimination and ended Western Park's season.