WESTERN Waves will play in the Victorian Country Cricket League under 21 grand final after final standings confirmed they finished atop their pool.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Waves are poised to meet Northern Rivers in the decider on December 14 — the same day as Warrnambool and District Cricket Association’s one-day decider.
The Ben Boyd-coached Waves edged out Barwon on percentage to book a grand final berth after winning both their games against Mallee Murray Bulls and Central Highlands.
They defeated Central Highlands on Sunday but were forced to wait until yesterday morning to find out if they’d done enough to advance to the decider.
“We assumed we had but wanted to wait for the results (online) because it was all down to net run rate,” Boyd said.
“From a region point of view to prove we are perhaps the best in the eight regions in Victorian country cricket is a good opportunity for us.”
Northern Districts accounted for North East Country in their second game after their round one fixture against Gippsland Pride was washed out.
Boyd said Western Waves’ 15-member squad had embraced the program and deserved a shot at the under 21 title.
“The big thing is attitude and wanting to play, that is the key,” he said.
“The guys get along well.
“Batting has been a strength of ours and the bowlers have backed up the batting.
“We have been fortunate to have two good scores in two weeks.
“The boys on the weekend were prepared to run hard to push opponents in the field (in order to) maintain a good run rate.”
Western Waves’ team includes six Warrnambool and District league cricketers: West Warrnambool trio Ben Threlfall, Will Mills and Josh Campbell, Woodford triple threat Nick Butters, Kory Howlett and Hamish Withers and Merrivale’s Otto Opperman.
Purnim’s Sam McKinnon is Grassmere Cricket Association’s sole representative.
Wimmera-Mallee and West Wimmera players make up the rest of the Waves’ squad.