CRICKET

PROVINCIAL

BADEN Powell have locked in a Grand Final spot with an upset win over Old Peninsula.

The Old Peninsula Pirates were the team to beat all season, finishing with just one loss on their record after 14 games. Baden Powell secured their finals spot with a fourth place finish. They would have to be at their best to move on to the season decider.

Baden Powell chose to bat first. A patient partnership between Craig Entwhistle and Rhys Elmi proved crucial for the batting side. The duo combined for 102 runs.

Baden Powell’s middle order wasn’t able to provide any further support. At the end of the side’s 40 overs they had 145 runs on the scoreboard. Baden Powell’s bowlers had more work ahead of them to wrap up a shock result.

The Pirates’ run chase got off to a shaky start. Opener Dylan O’Malley fell first, losing his wicket for just four runs. It is just his second single-digit score of the year.

Things kept getting worse for the Pirates, as the wickets of key batsmen Thomas La Brooy and Wade Pelzer fell shortly afterwards. A few batsmen went on to make good starts, but none of them went on to make a big score.

With just 123 runs on the scoreboard, Old Peninsula lost their last wicket. Rhys Whitling was run out with just under two overs left to play, bringing the club’s season to a close.

Baden Powell will face Sorrento in the Provincial Grand Final. Sorrento defeated Langwarrin on Saturday to advance to the final round of finals.

Jayde Herrick opened the batting for Langwarrin and proved tricky to deal with. He scored 48 runs, his side’s best effort.

Langwarrin set Sorrento a target of 153 to score to win.

Opener Jedd Falck’s half-century set Sorrento up well. Their path to victory would prove bumpier than expected though.

From 4/145, Sorrento capitulated. They lost their next five wickets for just five runs, giving Langwarrin a chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Sorrento managed to hit the winning runs eventually – a Grand Final place locked up with a thrilling one wicket win.

PENINSULA

PINES and Long Island will do battle in the Peninsula division Grand Final this weekend.

Long Island defeated Flinders to advance to the big dance.

Star batsman Nick Jewell has struggled at times this season, but looks to be hitting form at the right time. His 62 not out helped Long Island put together an impressive innings.

Flinders would have to chase down 196 to win.

First drop batsman Shane Beggs top scored for Flinders, putting 45 runs on the board. It ultimately was not enough.

Flinders finished their innings at 9/147, 50 runs short of a win.

Pines thumped Somerville by nine wickets in their semi-final matchup.

Somerville set Pines a target of 95 to win, which they chased down with ease.

Pines bowlers Billy Humphrey and Jackson Mockett played a big part, posting figures of 2/7 and 3/11 respectively.

DISTRICT

THE stage is set. The District Grand Final will be contested by Rosebud and Delacombe Park.

Up against the top-of the-ladder Carrum, Delacombe Park would have to bring their best to advance to the season decider.

Carrum chose to bat first but had a frustrating time. Many batsmen made good starts, but all were dismissed before they could reach the 25-run mark.

Carrum finished all out for 142. Although less than they would have hoped for, they could still secure a win with a brilliant bowling performance.

Although both of their openers fell quickly, a strong middle order performance got the job done for Delacombe Park. They wrapped up the win with three wickets left in hand and one over left to play.

A dominant bowling display by Rosebud secured them their place in the Grand Final.

Rosebud chose to bat first and scored 130 runs. Opener Lyle House top scored with 53.

Dromana had no response to Rosebud. They were bowled out for just 75 runs.

Michael Clavin was the pick of the bowlers. His 4/24 proved vital for his side.

SUB DISTRICT

TYABB will contest the Sub District Grand Final this weekend after scoring a dominant win over Mt Martha.

Mt Martha chose to bat first in the semi-final clash. Their innings didn’t go to plan, as they were bowled out for just 93.

Tyabb capitalised on their opponent’s struggles. They wrapped up the win with eight wickets to spare and ten overs left to play.

Tyabb will face Carrum Downs in the competition decider.

Carrum Downs defeated Balnarring by five wickets in their semi-final clash on Saturday. James Quamby was the winning side’s top scorer with a 50-run knock.

First published in the Mornington News – 9 March 2021