The cream rose to the top when it mattered most for Plenty Valley in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east division.
In their qualifying final against Kew, the Bats drew on their past finals experience performing to perfection to secure a home semi-final.
Bats coach Michael Sheedy said his side had focused on putting in a strong team effort.
“We understood what we needed to do to take time out of the game,” he said. “We made sure we built partnerships and that’s what wins finals.
“We’ve played 10 finals in four years and that experience has come to fruition again today.”
Kew won the toss and elected to bat, setting the Bats 229 for victory.
“I thought it was a good wicket to bat on,” Sheedy said. “They batted well – I think they may have achieved what they had been hoping for.
“[But] I knew if we could bat well, we could get the runs.”
Veteran Sean Ayres took 5-57 off 33 overs.
His impact on the game was not just with the ball – he returned to the role of opening batsman and made 41 to set up the Bat’s run chase.
“He bowled 33 overs on the bounce,” Sheedy said. “We made it clear during the week that we wanted him to have an impact with the bat, like the last couple of years. That was at the top of the order.
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“It was more about the cream rises to the top and Sean keeps putting his hand up.
“He thrives on finals cricket … he loves it so much.”
Ayres partnered with Simon Bray, who went on to make 74.
“Simon played out of his skin,” Sheedy said. “I was so pleased with the partnership between the two of them. I knew we had the batting depth, with Daniel Shaw batting at No.8. He and [skipper] Brad Mitchell got us over the line in the end.”
The Bats reached 229 for the loss of six wickets with nearly four overs to spare.
Sheedy paid tribute to Mitchell, who struggled with illness.
“He was quite ill – he batted at No.7 instead of his normal spot,” the coach said.
“He probably shouldn’t have played but lasted 80 overs in the field and then batted. I’m proud how he fought through it.”
The Bats will play Mt Waverley in the semi-finals for a spot in the grand final.
“They’ve been a yard stick all season and they will be wounded after losing their last two games,” said Sheedy of Mt Waverley. “For us, winning form is good form.
“It’s encouraging for a home semi-final and potential home ground final. I’m not shying away from it.”
It was a good weekend for the club, with four sides progressing through to semi-finals.
