SATURDAYS final round of T/20 fixtures saw some exiting matches take place.
Bridgetown hosted Donnybrook and only just managed to secure the win on the second last ball of the day.
It was tough luck for Donnybrook, who were set up well by an outstanding knock of 82 not out from Jimmy Harcourt. Harcourt fancied himself against his old team and familiar conditions and looked comfortable on his way to the game’s top score. Norm Bedford scored 30 handy runs as Donnybrook finished on 3/139.
The home team set about their run chase knowing they would need their top order to hold steady and keep the run rate ticking over. Shane Glancy batted well to reach 34, however it was the big hitting Ron Roberts who took the Donnybrook bowling attack. Roberts’ score of 55 proved to be the catalyst for Bridgetowns tight win. Bedford bowled well to finish with 2/9 off his four overs and Dave Hutchinson also claimed two wickets. Bridgetown sneaked over the line with the final total of 6/143 off the allotted 20 overs.
Preston Valley knew that a win over Boyup Brook would secure them a berth in the inaugural T/20 grand final. The home team won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket. From the onset the Preston openers took to the Boyup bowlers.
Scott Tynan and Dean Smith batted well together before Tynan holed out for 41. Smith kept a cool head and batted through most of the innings to eventually fall for 51 after being run out by Jacob Maw. Smith was well supported by Preston captain Brad Swarbrick (37). Preston finished on 5/170.
Boyup Brook had a daunting total in front of them. Openers Ben Mead and Scott Tweedie managed to weather the storm for 4 overs. Mead was sent back to the sheds and that triggered Boyup to start falling around Tweedie. Brad Anderson bowled particularly well to be the pick of the bowlers with 4/25. Tweedie tried gallantly, but after he fell for 30 the game was out of reach for Boyup.
Cricket action resumes on January 3 after the Christmas and New Year break.
