Sale-Maffra Cricket Association made it back-to-back Gippsland Cricket League titles last weekend, when they easily eclipsed Cricket Latrobe in the grand final at the Catholic College Sale Ovals.
On a better day than seemed likely earlier in the week, Latrobe Valley won the toss and elected to bat.
A big score looked to be on the cards at 2-75.but when opener Ryan Morley (39) was out at 5-97 the tail offered little resistance and the innings closed at 107.
Required to bat before lunch, Sale-Maffra were to 2/8 early but moved into the 30s by the lunch break without further loss.
A quick wicket after the luncheon adjournment maintained the crowd’s interest but Anthony Scott (48) and Ben Jones (44) made short work of the remaining 70 runs required,
both remaining not out.
The man of the match award went to Sale-Maffra’s Zac Hurley who took 5 for 14.
Sale-Maffra also claimed the women’s title against Bairnsdale at Stoddart Oval in Traralgon.
Batting first after winning the toss, Bairnsdale posted 5/85 from their 20 overs, with key contributions from Beckie Stevens (26), Dixie Clack (23), and captain Lily Bastian (19).
In the chase, the Sale-Maffra reached the target in the 17th over for the loss of four wickets.
Victorian Country representative Kirrily Bruce top-scored with 28 from 30 balls, while player Thatcher remained unbeaten on 19 from 24 balls, guiding her side to victory.
Sale-Maffra and Leongatha recently played off in the grand final of the under 18 20/20 competition, the Cameron White Cup at the Yarram Recreation Reserve, with Sale-Maffra successful.
Sale-Maffra batted first and were bowled out for 86 in the 17th over, with openers Campbell Moncrieff (28) and Shevan Fernando (21) making the majority of the runs.
Leongatha skipper, Rhys Newman (3/17) and his brother Cooper (3/11) both impressed with the ball.
With very little to defend, it was left to the bowlers to do the hard yards to get Sale-Maffra home, and they didn’t disappoint with 22 dot balls in the first five overs.
With 40 needed off the last four overs, Leongatha were restricted to 6/74, with Eamon Berryman top scoring with 21.
Fernando was named player of the match.
The two sides will clash again on February 15 for the 50 over title.
The under 17 girls, Sophie Molineux Cup was won by Cricket Latrobe, defeating Sale-Maffra in the final at Yinnar.
Cricket Latrobe making 9/128 from their 20 overs and restricting Sale-Maffra to 5/77.
Anna Shine (42) and Gracie Sanders (29) were the stars with the bat for the winners, both remaining unbeaten.
Olivia Speairs and Lara Dowsett both retired unbeaten on 19 for Sale-Maffra.
The under 15 grand final will be played this Sunday between Leongatha and Bairnsdale at the Korumburra Recreation Reserve, while the under 13 finale will be played at Bellbird Park in Warragul, between Warragul and Cricket Latrobe.
