West Bairnsdale and Meerlieu will do battle in the 2023/2024 Bairnsdale Cricket Association grand final at the Orbost Recreation Reserve after hard fought semi-final victories.
In a season where most sides form has fluctuated and finals berths were in dispute right up the final day of the home and away season, the consistent performing Wests and Tussocks will rightfully play off for ultimate glory on the weekend.
Meerlieu will go into match as favourites, despite only sneaking into finals in the final round at the expense of Lakes Entrance.
It is worth mentioning they would have been in the top four if not for a deduction of points due to late payment of affiliation fees.
Meerlieu has a formidable batting line led by skipper, Rohan Blandord, who gets outstanding support from big game player, Reagan Kyle, classy all rounder, Frankie Mostert, with Nicholas Adendorff, Matt Busch, Anthony Simpson and Justin Morgan all more than capable of making solid contributions.
West is now slouch with the ball, with Jack Lind, Ryan Halford, Jake Anderson, Patrick Halford, and spinners, Brodie Anderson and Chris Hammond more than capable, but the big question is can they knock over all the Tussocks guns and make the required runs.
Brodie Anderson is the constant for West at the top of the order, he bats long periods of times, but if West are to get over the line they will need a solid buy in from Sam Stewart, the talented Tom Hudson, skipper Ryan Halford and the more than capable keeper, Sam Watts, who belted a century when Wests chased down Meerlieu’s formidable total of 215 in its round five victory.
Mostert will do a lot of the heavy lifting with the ball for the Tussocks, he will toil hard, and is usually well rewarded with wickets at miserly run rate.
The revelation last week was veteran leg spinner, Adam Cairns, it will be interesting to see how he is suited to bowling on the Orbost wicket.
Busch, Simon Hunter and Adendorff can also expect plenty of work.
In the sides other meeting for the year, the Tussocks got home in round 11 at the Bairnsdale Oval in round 11 by just eight runs.
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With the game being played on the competitions best wicket, it should allow all players to showcase their wares, with the best side holding the cup up on Sunday night.
“A” RESERVE – West Bairnsdale v Metung Swan Reach at Hudson Alvin Oval.
West Bairnsdale caused an upset last week, beating one of the three dominant sides in the competition last week, Paynesville.
They have been comfortably beaten in both encounters this season by the confident Swans outfit that got out of jail last week.
West have proven big game performers in its line-up, like David Wolfe and Steven Lind, who certainly won’t be intimidated by the Swans season record.
Jacob Zumach is the wildcard with both bat and ball, who is more than capable of changing the game dynamic quickly.
Expect all rounders, Adam O’Brien and Mark Hopgood to be prime movers for the Swans, with fast bowler Forhad Haque, always capable of getting a bag.
“B” GRADE – Orbost v Buchan at Bruthen Recreation Reserve.
Orbost, who has been the dominant side all season, finishing three matches clear on the top of the ladder, will go in as warm favourites.
The Blues have clashed with the Cavemen twice in the home and away season for two easy wins.
In round four at home, Orbost bowled Buchan out for 87 before making the runs in just 13 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
In the rematch in round 12 at Buchan, the Blues batted first, amassing 8/236 from its 40 overs and dismissed the home side for just 98.
The Blues side is filled with match winners, but the Cavemen have nothing to lose and need to believe the impossible is possible.
“C” GRADE – Lindenow South Glenaladale v Lakes Entrance at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve Synthetic.
The Bulls have been around the top of ladder all season and will face a serious challenge from the Seagulls who have emerged late in the season.
The sides have clashed twice already this season, with the wins shared.
Lakes will go in full of confidence having outclassed the Bulls last time they met in round 10, with the aggressive pairing of Ben Rotheram and Will Forrester brutalising the bowling that day.
The Seagulls have done a remarkable job to make it through, given they have had to forfeit a number of matches throughout the season due to player unavailability and have taken the field with less than a full team on most occasions.
But all will be forgotten on Saturday when both sides take the side chasing March glory.
UMPIRES
Grand final appointments:
“A” grade: Chris Websdale and Martin Blennerhassett.
“A” reserve: Don Haley and Damien Tubb.
“B” grade: Ron Smith and John Hine.
“C” grade: Chris Moreland and Dave Kinsey.
