Old Paradians/St Francis are out of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Barclay Shield finals after losing to Macleod on Sunday.
Entering the finals full of confidence after late regular-season wins moved them to third on the ladder, the Wolves were on the back foot for most of the semi-final.
After losing an early wicket, Macleod settled, eventually posting 9-245 off its 80 overs.
Udhara Hewa Wellalage took 4-37 and Damian Wegener 3-32 for the Wolves.
The Wolves started their innings well, with five of their top six batsmen making starts – but none could go on with the job.
At 2-104, the Wovles looked on track to put in a good push for the target but then lost wickets regularly for the rest of the innings.
They were bowled out for 190.
Matthew Del Mastro top-scored at the top of the order with 52.
Hewa Wellalage, batting at No.8, chipped in with 37.
Macleod will face Diamond Creek in the grand final.
Diamond Creek made a modest 127 with the bat but that proved sufficient as it went on to bowl Riverside out for 109.
Lalor Stars are out of the second-grade Money Shield competition after losing to North Eltham Wanderers in the semi-finals.
The Wanderers will play Lower Plenty in the grand final.
