Gisborne and District Cricket Association teams in the Central Highlands’ region T20 finals achieved mixed results.
With both Riddell and Wallan making it through to the Cricket Willow Cup grand finals, the Bombers were looking for a second straight division 1 title and the Magpies looking for their first division 2 title.
Playing Lexton, the Magpies were hoping to become the second straight GDCA team to win the division 2 grand final.
Last season, Ashfield became the first time the winner of the GDCA’s district T20 final to go through to the Cricket Willow Cup, eventually winning the division 2 grand final.
On Saturday, Lexton started well before Josh Ruth and Brad Benjamin did the damage in the middle overs for the Magpies, taking three wickets each.
Some late order hitting took Lexton to 121.
The Magpies openers of Ruth (31) and Russell Whittingham (22) put on 53 for the opening partnership.
Lexton fought back by taking regular wickets, but the Magpies were never in trouble, making the runs with five balls to spare.
The Magpies finished 7-123.
The Bombers took on Mt Clear in the division 1 final.
Missing a large chunk of their regular team, the Bombers were always in for a fight.
Mt Clear made the most of its chances with the bat, making 4-255.
No.3 batsman Curt Townrow made 87 off 29 balls.
Mackenzie Casson was the best of the bowlers for the Bombers with 2-35.
It was a tough ask for the Bombers, with only skipper Mick Allen getting going. Allen top scored with 53 in the Bombers’ total of 8-141.
Mt Clear will represent the Central Highlands region in next season’s Cricket Victoria Regional Big Bash.
