WIND and rain courtesy of Cyclone Olwyn provided an unwelcome backdrop to last weekend’s Busselton Margaret River Cricket Association finals.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
All of Saturday’s semi-finals were abandoned without a single ball being bowled which resulted in the top sides in all grades progressing straight through to this Saturdays grand finals (Yobs-A, Dunsborough-B, and Augusta-C).
The constant drizzle also provided an untimely exit for Margaret River A, St Mary’s-B, and Dunsborough C teams who were all eliminated without the opportunity to play a game.
It was a different story on Sunday when a break in the weather had preliminary final opponents taking to the field in Busselton, Nannup and Dunsborough in sudden death games.
Rain still affected play with many sides working feverously with towels, sponge rubber and garden blowers to allow play to take place and with a positive attitude by all, games went ahead on synthetic surfaces.
In A grades preliminary final between Dunsborough and St Mary’s, a delayed start saw a reduced overs (45) game go ahead with Dunsborough winning the toss and electing to bowl.
A solid start by Mark Ford (62) and Danny Hatton (22) was backed up with a captains knock by Ben Lloyd (47).
St Mary’s batted well and compiled a competitive 5/178 off its allotted 45 overs. Dunsborough bowler Jessie Gautrey (1/35) was the pick of the Dunsborough bowlers according to umpire Neil McCormack who provided comment after the game, Gautrey capturing the crucial wicket of Ford.
In reply, Dunsborough lost opener Devyn Coote (1) early before more rain stopped play.
Following a break, the winning equation was again reduced, now 142 to win off 36 overs.
Several solid efforts by Dunsborough batsman and a man of the match innings by Jake Gillett(54) saw the home side achieve the target with 4 wickets in hand.
St Mary’s captain Ben Lloyd was gracious in defeat and paid tribute to both sides and the umpire who remained calm in the weather effected game.
Lloyd was disappointed with bowing out of the race for the Barnard Cup but felt that the best side won on the day.
He also thought Dunsborough would win this Saturday’s grand final and make it three consecutive Barnard Cup triumphs.
This week’s grand final sees Yobs taking on Dunsborough on Bovell Turf. Dunsborough captain Aaron Mott was happy his side win last Sunday and felt that playing and winning the preliminary final had become an important part of his sides momentum in recent years triumphs.
“We’ll be at full strength next week, with Chris Reagan set to return” Mott said.
He added his side would not take Yobs lightly despite not losing to the Busselton based side since October last year.
In B grade, Vasse took on Margaret River and following a short weather delay Vasse captain John Albury elected to bat.
In a close and hard fought tussle Margaret River appeared to be on its way to consecutive grand final appearances when it bowled Vasse out for 123.
However, as is often the case in finals, a low total proved to be enough with inspired bowling from Sam Shepherd(3/14) and Dennis Amour(2/11) ensuring Vasse will play in this Saturday’s grand final.
Margaret River eventually bowled out for 84.
This Saturday’s grand final will see Vasse take on Dunsborough at Bovell 4 as both sides look to finish their season off on a high and win the Barnard Shield.
The last preliminary final was played in Nannup where the home side took on St Mary’s.
Nannup was looking to move through to another grand final after winning last season and on winning the toss elected to bowl.
The decision proved a good one with St Mary’s in trouble when drinks were taken with the score 4/23.
However, a well complied 54 by man of the match Shay Thackrah and a solid effort by Karl Rogers (33no) saw St Mary’s post 6/120.
Traditionally that score would prove hard to defend, but accurate and inspired bowling from Karl Clively (4/17) and captain Shane Lilley(2/6) saw St Mary’s C grade win its first final ever.
The victory will see St Mary’s steam into this Saturday’s grand final against Augusta according to captain Shane Lilley.
“Our trains on the right track and its all aboard,” he said.
Lilley was delighted to be again playing in a grand final and felt his side would be in top shape to take on Augusta who were warm favorites to win their first C grade title. This weekend’s finals will see the game played at Bovell 3 and will have all three grand finals played at the same location, a first for BRMCA.
