With four separate players scoring centuries in the past two games, Grovedale captain-coach Jordan Moran said his team is playing well at the right time of the season.
Moran and Jack Wrigglesworth both made hundreds in the final home and away round while young star Corey Paull and Michael McNeel made centuries in the Tigers’ semi-final win against Highton.
“Things are hopefully starting to click at the right end with three games now of 300 plus,” Moran said.
“Things could have been completely different though. Rob Smith (73 from 80 deliveries) was dropped twice quite early, third ball of the day, so to go run a ball 70 that he got definitely put us ahead of the game and then Corey (Paull) and Mick (McNeel) just batted outstandingly.”
Needing only a draw to progress to the preliminary final, Grovedale went to stumps on day one with a huge score and with the prospect of rain on day two, the match was effectively over.
Luke Guest (43 not out) and Rohan Smith (20 not out) then put on an unbeaten 57-run last-wicket stand to push the score up to 9/437.
“It’s something that I suppose we’re trying to get better at is lower order runs,” Moran said.
“I think at one stage we lost 4 for 11 before they came together, so to push to get to 400 was great. And then to even go on even further was terrific.”
With overs reduced on Sunday and a draw no use, Highton had no choice but to go for the runs and was bowled out for 132 with Tyson Windus (67) playing well and Sam Coutts and Clinton Ford each snaring three wickets.
Grovedale now takes on Newtown & Chilwell in the preliminary final.
“They finished first on the ladder and have been a very consistent side all year,” Moran said.
“They have a very, very strong batting line-up and lots of variety with the ball as well. They’ve got left arm, right arm mediums, some good spinners. So they’re an all round package and we’re going to have to be at our best to overcome them.”
North Geelong booked a spot in the grand final with a bold gamble that paid off.
Needing to win to avoid a preliminary final, the Magpies declared at 9/281 after 74 overs with left-hand opener Ned Cooper making a fine 106 and Layton McCann 78.
Newtown & Chilwell then lost four wickets late on day one and with rain around on Sunday couldn’t hang on for a draw, all out for 137 with Tyson Windus getting 66.
Paceman Dale Kerr took 4/47 from 27 overs while Connor Hangan (3/22) and Alistair McCann (2/12) played their roles.
PRELIMINARY FINALS
Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23, 11am start
Division 1
Newtown & Chilwell vs Grovedale and Queens Park Reserve, Highton. Winner to play North Geelong.
Division 2
Murgheboluc vs Bell Park at King Lloyd Recreation Reserve, Newtown. Winner to play Lara.
Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23, 11.45am start
Division 3
Alexander Thomson vs Marshall at Highton Reserve. Winner to play Thomson.
Saturday March 22, 11.15am start
Division 4
Little River vs Lethbridge at Little River Recreation Reserve. Winner to play Meredith.
