A plucky 10th-wicket partnership between Sathpath Kamburugamuwa and Jarryd Ellis has secured Westmeadows a final round win against Pascoe Vale Hadfield and a top-two finish in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s north-west A1 competition.
In what’s believed to be a first for the club, all four Warriors senior teams will play finals.
In north-west A1, they had some nervous moments late in the game when they lost their ninth wicket still needing three runs to win.
Kamburugamuwa and Ellis got the job done, contributing another 20 so that the Warriors made 205 in reply to Pascoe Vale Hadfield’s 180.
Pascoe Vale Hadfield had needed a win to keep its finals hopes alive.
Kamburugamuwa top-scored for the Warriors with 53 not out, while Danny Law made 48 and Glen Lambeth 46.
Warriors vice-captain Tarique Jeffrey said it had got pretty intense towards the end of the game.
“We were in a similar situation a few weeks ago and lost; this time the result fell our way.”
The win assures the Warriors a home knock- out semi-final, which could be vital in what has been such a close competition. The Warriors will play Craigieburn in the semi-final, with the Eagles having suffered a final round loss to Glenroy. Needing 178 for victory, Craigieburn was bowled out for 122. Glenroy made 4-166 in its second innings to seal fourth spot and will play St Francis de Sales in the other knockout semi- final.
Jeffrey said the Warriors needed to ensure they were playing their best in the finals, otherwise it could cost them dearly in what has been a close competition all season.
“Anything can happen,” he said. “If we’d lost we probably would have finished third and Glenroy wouldn’t be playing finals.
“All the top five sides have played well this season. We need to focus on our own game and ensure we bowl, field and bat well. If we can do that, hopefully we’ll win.”
It will be the first time the Warriors’ top side has featured in finals since 2011-12.
Jeffrey was rapt with the senior teams’ finals clean sweep.
“We’re normally lucky if we have one side in finals, maybe two,” the vice-captain said. “Having all four play finals is what the club strives for.”
In senior division, Greenvale Kangaroos claimed the minor premiership with a massive win over Doutta Stars. Having made 8-301, the Kangaroos skittled the Stars for 109, with Tallan Wright taking 4-9. The Kangaroos made 1-68 in their second innings.
Tullamarine avoided relegation with a final round victory against Keilor. Having dismissed Keilor for just 105, the Demons powered on to 8-294, including a century to Matthew Cross.
In north A1, Roxburgh Park and Jacana ended their seasons with losses to Caroline Springs and Moonee Valley respectively.
