Lalor Warriors are hoping for their first Northern Region T20 title on Tuesday night after not making it past elimination finals in previous years.
The Warriors came through to the grand final after their win over Northern Metro Cricket Association rival Rivergum. The Northern Region T20 involves both the NMCA and Diamond Valley Cricket Associations.
Warriors’ captain-coach Todd Hughes says he hopes the team’s T20 performance will kickstart a better second half of the season.
“The last month hasn’t gone to plan in the Saturday competition,” Hughes said. “We’re hoping that the confidence we get from this competition will help us find form again.
“We made the elimination final in the T20s a couple of years ago, but that was the furthest we have been.”
Despite taking on Rivergum, which is undefeated in the NMCA, Hughes said the Warriors were confident they could win in the semi-final. Batting first they made 4-140.
“We’ve always played well against them in T20s and one-dayers,” Hughes said. “They have been a better side in two-day cricket.
“We have a lot of players in our side that are match winners … we managed to get four scores of about 20.”
Nick Christie top-scored with 34 not out, while Lance Whitnall, who retired during the off-season, made 20 at the top of the order.
Hughes said the Warriors were confident they had the runs on the board.
“They got off to a good start and were a couple of wickets down for 60 off about seven overs.
“Eventually they needed 70 runs off 70 balls. We kept picking up wickets to put the pressure on.”
Rivergum was bowled out for 121. Christie took three wickets, Bradley Winther, Shane Hicks and Themi Tilkeridis took two each.
Hughes said the side was now looking for a win in the grand final against DVCA club Plenty.
The Warriors carried their T20 form into Saturday competition against Darebin Chargers. Batting first, the Warriors made 6-312.
Hughes led from the front with 104 not-out, while Christie made 63.
The Chargers were 3-22 at stumps.
