Matt Hewson
A stunning display with the ball by Grovedale, led by spinner Bailey Sykes, laid the foundation for an imperious victory over East Belmont.
Sykes took 5/9 as he sliced through middle order, with maidens in five of his 9.4 overs and two catches including one that dismissed Luke Inglis to leave the visitors reeling at 4/43.
The Lions, who were hoping for a win to give themselves a chance at the minor premiership, capitulated for 69 runs from 35.4 overs.
East Belmont opener Shane McNamara was his side’s top scorer with 13 runs from 46 balls, caught by Luke Guest off the bowling of Jack Wrigglesworth.
Guest contributed two late wickets for the Tigers, with Clinton Ford and Sam Coutts each claiming one, while Dev Foott remained wicketless but conceded only 12 runs from his eight overs, frustrating the East Belmont batters.
In response, Grovedale eased to a winning total of 4/73 in the 27th over, with Michael McNeel scoring 22 at better than a run a ball.
Having finished in fourth spot, Grovedale will face Newtown & Chilwell in the semi-finals this week.
The Two Blues will come in on the back of a hard-fought win over St Josephs, electing to bat after winning the toss and setting a total of 187.
Will Simson led the batting for Newtown & Chilwell, coming in at 4/87 and adding 66 runs before being caught off the bowling of Tom Smith as the last wicket of the innings.
St Josephs could never quite keep up with the required run rate, with the scoreboard pressure eventually becoming too much as they were bowled out for 154 at the end of the 47th over.
Four of the Joeys’ wickets were runouts, with Patrick McKenna leading Newtown & Chilwell’s bowlers with 2/37 from his 10 overs.
North Geelong claimed top spot after the finish of the home and away season, defeating Lara easily at Osborne Park.
The home side dismissed the visitors for 75 runs, quickly running that total down in the 22nd over with eight wickets remaining.
North Geelong opener Ned Cooper remained unbeaten for 41 runs, while Alistair McCann took three late wickets for just four runs for the victors.
North Geelong will face East Belmont in the semi-finals this week.
South Barwon outclassed Highton at Reynolds oval, making first innings total of 8/344 and bowling out the visitors for 231.
Nick Butters scored his first century of the season, belting 115 from 87 overs, while Nathan Pearson also made a half-century for South and Nick Platt took 4/50.
