Cricket
GREENBUSHES v PRESTON VALLEY
PRESTON VALLEY wrapped up their second consecutive Farley Shield for the minor premiership, after cantering to a 164-run victory over Balingup-Greenbushes at Balingup Oval on Saturday afternoon.
Greenbushes won the toss and chose to bat first on a relatively mild afternoon; however were immediately on the back-foot after losing their first four wickets with only five runs on the board.
Troy Van Dimen broke the shackles coming in at no.7 with a series of boundaries, but could find no support as wickets continued to fall around him.
Van Dimen top-scored with 32 after being caught on the square-leg boundary by newcomer Matt Barker, off the bowling of South African Andrew Hughes.
Rob Van Bavel (6no) and Rob Hornum (8) combined at the tail to score a few extra runs for their side, which was eventually bowled out for 71 in the 31st over.
Luke Asplin (7-5-2-3) did the early damage with the ball for Preston, along with Scott Tynan (5-0-21-2).
In reply, Preston lost an early wicket courtesy of a spectacular diving catch by Kai Hicks, to remove the dangerous Scott Tynan.
The momentum was only short-lived however; as Bob Lyon and Luke Asplin combined in a 109-run partnership for the second wicket, passing the target in the 16th over.
Asplin smashed his way to his second half century for the season, finishing with a well earned 66.
Skipper Shaun Gardiner played himself in well and found some form, combining with Lyon in an 83-run stand for the third wicket. Gardiner was eventually caught in the deep by Troy Van Dimen for 38.
With the game well and truly over, to their credit Greenbushes never threw in the towel.
Youngster Rowan Rothery took three wickets in one over, as was on a hat-trick; Tosh Thamo also took three wickets towards the tail-end, including Lyon’s wicket.
An exhausted Lyon finished on 85, in a knock that included 9 boundaries and 3 sixes.
The injured Phil Hay (22) also got into the action, hitting his first ever six, as the last batsman out in his sides total of 235 after 44 overs.
The best bowlers for Greenbushes were Rowan Rothery (3-0-6-3) and Tosh Thamo (4-0-21-3).
DONNYBROOK v BOYUP BROOK
In the other match this week, Donnybrook claimed the home final after convincingly defeating Boyup Brook at Egan Park on Saturday.
After winning the toss and batting first, Donnybrook lost few wickets on their way to 5 for 259.
Phil Welsh just fell short of his first century, top scoring with 92, and was well supported by Anthony Licciardello (32) and Dave Hutchison (30no).
In reply, Boyup Brook lost early wickets and never recovered, to be bowled out for 122.
SEASON WRAP UP
After another successful home and away season, Preston Valley retains the Farley Shield for the minor premiership, after finishing with a win-loss record of 11-1, and advances directly to the Grand Final on 20th and 21st March 2010 at Egan Park.
Donnybrook finish with a win-loss record of 8-4 after their important win on the weekend, and will host Bridgetown (7-5) in the preliminary final next Saturday, with the winner to tackle Preston Valley in the Grand Final.
Boyup Brook (4-8) will be lamenting those few close losses earlier on in the season as they miss out on finals; however several outstanding individual performances this year will ensure they return as a stronger unit.
Balingup-Greenbushes (0-12) suffered their second winless season; however are continuing to improve as a team.
Several young up-and-coming players showed potential throughout the season, and will be hungry for their first win.
For all match reports, scorecards and statistics, visit the DBCA website at www.dc-ca.com.au.
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