There was a sense of relief for the Lalor Warriors late on Saturday afternoon.
Having spent most of the season in the North Metro Cricket Association’s Jika Shield, the Warriors needed luck to go their way after a late season slump resulted in them outside the top four heading into the final round.
First thing the Warriors needed to do was knock off ladder leaders, Rivergum.
Last Saturday they bowled the Kookas out for 104. The Warriors resumed on Saturday at 3-40.
Warriors’ skipper Todd Hughes said there were more than a few nerves during the week.
“The past couple of years, we’ve played them in the final round and they’ve got us,” he said.
“There are always a couple of nerves coming against a side which has won the last three grand finals.
“They’ve knocked off sides when they’re defending less. In the end the season came down to one innings.
If the Warriors thought they had nerves during the week, they got worse on Saturday when they lost their ninth wicket with 10 runs still needed.
“The eyes were closed and no could sit still,” Hughes admitted.
The Warriors got the job done finishing 9-105.
Lakmal Keerthirathna finished 17 not out along with number 11 Ben Gorski who finished with an unbeaten two.
Hughes said it was good to come away with a win under those circumstances considering they’d lost four or five close games in recent years.
With a win on the board, the Warriors had to wait for other results to find out whether they’d done enough to seal a finals spot.
Hughes said they had heard Northern Socials were in trouble chasing Olympic Colts’ 8-276 while the game was still in process.
Socials were eventually bowled out for 198, handing the Warriors fourth spot.
The Warriors will face Holy Trinity in a knock out semi final. Rivergum faces North Brunswick/Rosebank for a grand final spot in the other semi final.
Hughes said how they go in the finals would come down to their batting.
“Batting, not bowling has been our problem, despite being smacked the last time we played Holy Trinity.
“I think bowling had been our strength. If we can make 200 plus with the bat I think our bowlers can get the job done.
“Everyone has a point to prove, it’s a different ball game now.”
