Bairnsdale and Sale Maffra will do battle for the Gippsland Cricket League senior title this Sunday at the Stratford Recreation Reserve.
Bairnsdale made its way through to the finale defeating Warragul in the final round at the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve by 56 runs.
The Sharks have been unbeaten in their four matches this campaign, while Bairnsdale has registered two wins, one loss and a washout.
Bairnsdale batted first finishing its 50-over allotment on 8/178, with West Bairnsdale duo Ryan Halford (39 not out) and Brodie Anderson (33) leading the run scorers, well supported by Cameron McPhan, who was keen to impress against his former association, and Zimbabwean import, Connor Mitchell, both of whom made 29.
Bairnsdale looked in big trouble at 6/97, but Halford, in combination with Mitchell and Isaac Love (15), ensured a competitive total of 178.
In reply Warragul was unable to put together any significant partnerships as it regularly lost wickets, bundled out for 122 in the 35th over.
Anderson was the unofficial man of the match after finishing with 4/32, while Love picked up 2/32.
UNDER 18
Bairnsdale recently played a double header of T20 matches in Morwell in the under 18 competition, losing to Leongatha in the first match, before claiming its first victory of the season, when defeating Cricket Latrobe Valley.
Leongatha batted first and accumulated 6/129 from its 20 overs, with talented young all rounder, Ollie Simpson impressing with the ball taking 4/30.
Bairnsdale was bowled out in the 20th over for a disappointing 93, with Mitchell Johnson (21), Simpson (20) and Harry Forbes (13) making the majority of the runs.
In the second game, Bairnsdale batted first and was bowled out on the last ball of the 20th over for 91, with Taj Corben top scoring with 32 and Shrader Hicks making a handy 17.
In a tight finish, Latrobe Valley was bowled out in the 19th over for 87, with Corben taking 3/13 and Lucknow team mate, Archie Poore 3/10.
Bairnsdale plays its final match of the season on Sunday, when it plays Leongatha at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve.
UNDER 15
Chasing its first win of the season, Bairnsdale was outclassed by Leongatha at Leongatha Secondary College in its most recent under 15 fixture.
Batting first, the home side made an imposing 5/280 from 50 overs, with opening batsman Eamon Berryman carrying his bat through the innings, making a sparkling 134 not out from 157 deliveries.
Jonah Lindford was the only multiple wicket taker for Bairnsdale, finishing with 2/26.
Bairnsdale was dismissed in the 40th over for 113, with Noah Mathers (24), Samson Casement (24) and Harper Clack (22) getting starts but unable to capitilise.
Bairnsdale will finish its campaign on Sunday, with a home game against Sale-Maffra at the Hudson Alvin Oval.
UNDER 13
It was a great result for Bairnsdale, defeating Leongatha comfortably at Leongatha Secondary College, moving to second on ladder in the process last week.
With Fletcher Watt (3/12), Dixie Clack (2/8) and Ashton Moncrieff (2/13) among the wickets, Leongatha was bowled out for 88, Bairnsdale knocking the total off in the 22nd over for the loss of two wickets. Oakley Hughes impressed with the willow, making 41 from 48 balls.
Bairnsdale will play top side Sale-Maffra in the final game of the season on Sunday at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve.
WOMEN
Bairnsdale recently went down by seven runs in its match with Sale-Maffra Cricket Association powerhouse, Bundalaguah.
The Bulls batted first making 3/168 from 30 overs, with Bairnsdale gallant in the run chase, finishing on 5/161.
Sheree Midson top scored Bairnsdale with 37, well supported by Lily Bastian who made 35 and Abbey Wyatt with 23.
