The Bairnsdale Cricket Association 20/20 final will be played at Bairnsdale City Oval next Tuesday from 5.30pm, featuring West Bairnsdale and Orbost.
Semi finals were played on January 20, with Orbost defeating Wy Yung at the Orbost Recreation Reserve, while West Bairnsdale knocked off Paynesville at City Oval. All four sides finished the preliminary matches on two wins each, as did fifth side
Meerlieu, who missed the finals on percentage.
In the first semi final, Wy Yung won the toss and batted first, amassing 8/133 from its 20 overs. Cameron McPhan top scored with 38 off 21 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes. After Ben Saxon’s 15 at 4/64, the innings wavered, but skipper Charlie Thompson (16), Brendan Dunstan (21) and Jacob Zumach (18 not out) added valuable runs to give their bowlers a defendable total. Jordan Ross and Josh Court were the multiple wicket-takers for the Blues claiming two each.
Orbost confidently chased down the total in the 17th over for the loss of five wickets. Max Welsh (20), Mikael Hulme (16), Tim Osborn (20) and top scorer Luke Humphries (45) all batted at better than a run-a-ball pace, with Alex Hulme finishing 18 not out.
In the other semi final, Paynesville batted first but was bowled out for 110 on the penultimate ball. Three players reached double figures, led by Aaron Cameron with 35 off 31 balls. Isaac Love (31) and the entertaining Rod Clack (28 off 15) impressed at the top of the order. Brodie Anderson starred with the ball for West, taking 5/12 from four overs.
West Bairnsdale chased the target with seven balls to spare, losing three wickets. Atley Williams made 27 at the top of the order, while Brodie Anderson (37) and Ryan Halford (38) anchored the innings to remain not out and guide their side home.
The scene is now set for an exciting final at City Oval next Tuesday. Conditions could favour West, but if Orbost can post a
big total, West may struggle if Halford and Anderson are dismissed cheaply.
