The top two sides after the home-and-away season, Sarsfield and Wy Yung, have prevailed comfortably in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association “C” grade semi-finals.
Minor premier Sarsfield bowled Lucknow out for 109 at the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve before chasing down the target in just 19 overs for the loss of three wickets, with several handy batsmen still in the shed. Lucknow skipper Darren Lang top-scored with 29, receiving late-order support from John Bennett (19). Simon Doeke bowled superbly for Sarsfield, taking 3/12, while Glenn Wolfe (22) and Chalith Wickamarathna (25) led the spirited run chase.
In the other semi final, Meerlieu gave itself every chance of upsetting Wy Yung when it batted first, posting 3/144 from its 30-over allocation at Cameron White Oval.
Michael Preston starred with a stylish 81 not out, combining well with Thomas Hall (33).
In reply, Wy Yung faced early concerns at 2/33, but an unbeaten 115-run partnership between Venkat Narayaran (37) and the dashing Alex Confait (82) saw the Tigers progress to the grand final with 42 balls to spare.
