YAMBUK and Killarney will clash in Saturday’s Grassmere Cricket Association A grade grand final after contrasting semi-final victories yesterday.
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Minor premier Yambuk advanced without bowling a ball yesterday as weather intervened, while Killarney successfully chased down defending premier Panmure’s challenging total of 174 with four wickets in hand.
All-rounder Daniel Jones capped a standout individual performance for Killarney as he and Brendan McMahon (20 not out) shared an unbeaten 57-run stand for the sixth wicket to steer the Crabs to victory.
Jones, who took 3-59 off 23 overs on Saturday, finished unbeaten on 35 as he and McMahon eased a few nerves following the loss of 3-6 after tea. At 6-122, Killarney needed 53 off 15 overs with four wickets in hand as Panmure started to get momentum.
But Jones took the game away from Panmure, icing the win with a couple of sixes late.
Captain Brett Halliwell top scored with 42 at the top of the order, while Panmure’s Paddy Mahony (3-44) and Nathan Shand (2-56 off 24 overs) were impressive for the Bulldogs.
Halliwell said his bowlers, led by Brayden Buchanan (4-63), set up the win.
“I’m tickled pink,” he said.
“They are a quality side and you have to play quality cricket to beat them.”
Halliwell said his side’s batting depth was significant.
“It’s always good to get them at the top but we bat right down and that’s what we’ve said all year,” he said.
In the other semi-final, Yambuk made 166 on Saturday after a late start but because it finished higher than fourth-placed Grassmere, won through to the grand final despite the match being cut short yesterday.
Yambuk captain Steve Gleeson said the new pitch at his home ground held water, making play impossible yesterday.