The final round of the regular season was played out last Saturday in the Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association with a nail biting finish between Cowaramup and Margaret River played out to determine the final position in the A grade finals. Cowaramup were looking to take a place in their first finals series for many years with Margaret River fighting to keep a record intact that has had them never miss the finals.
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On winning the toss, Margaret River captain Matty Kent elected to bat and the decision proved a decisive one with his side posting a strong total of 7/222 off 50 overs. In reply, Cowaramup looked in trouble when they found themselves 4/18, before an 81 run partnership between man of the match Kye Barrow(82) and Justin Chandler(53) saw Cowaramup fight back. In a classic finish, Cowaramup’s Dan Williams was run out ending the innings on 211, 12 runs short of the target.
Last Saturdays other A grade game was a prelude to this Saturdays first semi-final between Yobs and Dunsborough. The result fell in favour of Dunsborough who posted a solid four wicket victory over the ladder leaders.
Yobs elected to bat first and solid contributions from Lachie Golding(40) and Colin Harris(52) saw Yobs begin well, but tight bowling from Nathan Whitney(3/9) and Jessie Gautrey(3/38) saw Yobs bowled out in the final over for 176.
In reply, Dunsborough captain and man of the match Aaron Mott(71 not out) and Devyn Coote(61 not out) saw the home side post a good win.
In B grade, Vasse posted a strong win over Dunsborough and Margaret River defeated St Mary’s in the final round of fixtures that also mirror this Saturdays semi-finals. In the remaining game, Yobs finished their season on a high when the defeated Cowaramup.
In C grade, Augusta confirmed their favoritism for the premiership with a strong win over Dunsborough, whilst Nannup posted a good win over Vasse and has them well placed for a tilt at back to back C grade flags. St Mary’s scored a strong win with bonus points over Cowaramup which also has them well placed for finals.
Preview to the finals
This weekends semi and preliminary finals are sure to see some of the most competitive games of the year played out. With the start of Autumn looking warm and sunny, the weather is unlikely to have an effect when the race for A grade’s Barnard Cup hits fever pitch on Saturday when Dunsborough take on Yobs and St Mary’s face Margaret River.
Saturday - A Grade- Yobs(1) v Dunsborough(2) at Bovell Turf, St Mary’s(3) v Margaret River(4) at Churchill Turf.
Due to a peculiar rule unique to BMRCA, the side that has finished first on the ladder has won two less games than the side finishing second. Dunsborough captain Aaron Mott felt that Yobs would retain favoritism despite loosing last Saturday, given Yobs higher finishing position on the ladder and their home ground advantage this Saturday. St Mary’s captain Ben Lloyd who’s side is coming off a bye is pleased with his sides run into the finals – “we have built really well and I think we are playing our best cricket at the right time”. Lloyd also added that his side would not underestimate Margaret River who were likely to be buoyant on the back of a stirring victory over Cowaramup in last Saturdays cut throat final match of the season.
In B grade, Dunsborough president Mat Lepidi felt that his clubs side would improve after last weeks loss to Vasse. Vasse posted a strong win with this Saturdays rematch likely to see several key players return for both sides. Margaret River captain Michael Earl felt his side would be confident this Saturday against St Mary’s and would also draw on last years grand final win for inspiration.
Saturday - B Grade- Dunsborough(1) v Vasse(2) at Dunsborough Synthetic, Margaret River(3) v St Mary’s(4) at Gloucester Park Synthetic.
In C grade, Augusta have gained outright favoritism on the back of comprehensive wins over this years finals contenders Dunsborough and Nannup in the past two weeks. Augusta have relished the drop to C grade this year and have also benefited from a years development of many of their younger players who have been well mentored by senior players.
This will ensure that Augusta the team to beat over the next two weeks. Nannup have also had a successful season and are likely to field a stronger side against Augusta than when the sides met two years ago.
In the other semi-final, St Mary’s take on Dunsborough, the winner of which will progress to Sundays preliminary final.