By Casey O'Connor
As the footballer players in the district get into shape for the 2022 season it is the pointy end of the season for the cricket players.
The first round of the finals of the Warwick Cricket Association season were played at the weekend.
On Saturday, Colts met Vic Hill in the knockout game at Slade. Vic Hill won the toss and batted first. Colts bowlers dominated, dismissing Vic Hill for a very gettable 124 in the 35th over. Vic Hill were in trouble early on with the openers Nick Morris and Sandhu gone cheaply and the score 2/7.
Unfortunately, the only resistance came from Andrej Singh (28) and Husandeep Singh (27) and tailender Damien McDonald (15).
Colt’s Sean O’Leary was the pick of the bowlers and finished with 4/26 from 6.3 overs.
With a spot in the next round of the finals on the line Colt’s had plenty to play for.
Although they were chasing a small total things did not begin well. Opener Fern out for a duck and his opening partner Bourke falling after scoring only two runs. Maugan Benn came in at first drop and added some stability to the innings. Benn top scored with 57 and set up a win for Colts who reached the required total in the 41st over.
It was not the most convincing win, but Colts are now through to the preliminary final and play Redbacks in a must win game on Sunday at Slade.
After finishing minor premiers, Redbacks find themselves in a fight for a spot in the grand final after a loss to defending premiers Maryvale.
Maryvale again showed they know the road to a grand final with a win last Sunday.
Redbacks won the toss and batted. They all but completed their 50 overs, dismissed with three balls remaining in the innings and setting Maryvale a run chase of 143.
Their top order got off to fair starts but failed to make it beyond the twenties. Lowney and Clarkson top scored with 27 and the scoring fell away down the order.
Will Gordon was the best of the Maryvale bowlers taking three wickets. Mitch Darton also bowled well for a pair and ran out tailender Jamieson. Maryvale were slick in the field Paul Bourke taking three catches and Keiran Bourke holding two catches.
Paul Bourke set up the Maryvale win with a fine 60 before he was caught by Jamieson off a ball from Brown.
Maryvale slipped into another grand final passing the Redbacks total early in the 48th over.
It is down to the wire for the teams in this weekend’s preliminary finals. Both the reserve Grade and A grade games to be played at Slade.
On Saturday Allora play Sovereign in Reserve grade. The winner to play Wheatvale in the grand final.
On Sunday, in what should be a great game at Slade, Redbacks and Colts go head to head to decide who meets Maryvale on 26 March.
