Finals frenzy

By Keith Thompson, YVCA secretary
BEFORE a reasonable crowd the Strachan Shield final between Mt Evelyn and Seville commenced on Saturday at the Woori Yallock Cricket Ground. The ground was a little damp and slow early but quickened as the day progressed.
Mt Evelyn on winning the toss decided to bat and got away to a strong start with opener Ben Thiele and Andrew Giblin at the crease against the Seville opening attack of Steven Bover and Dean Troyahn.
Thiele was the first to fall with a sturdy 34. Giblin made 61 before he went to lbw.
Kane Jones 33 was next best for the Rovers. Seville’s Andrew Kay with 3 for 61 was the best of the bowlers assisted by Dean Troyahn 3/70, and Matt Walker 2/17. At the end of day one Mt Evelyn was all out for 225.
The Strachan Shield Reserve final being played at Gruyere is Yarra Junction v Healesville. Yarra Junction batting first has been dismissed for 146 with only Adrian Hammond, 76 not out, putting up resistance to any great extent and in reply so far Healesville was 1/102.
The DJ Strachan Shield 3 final is between Launch United and Wandin at Seville with Wandin batting first and led by a century from Troy Mutton (102). Wandin was all out for 245 at stumps. Launch United’s bowling was fronted by P. Perkins 3/69, and Colin Voigt with 4/64.
Seville are playing Coldstream at Wandin in the Strachan Shield fourth grade final and Coldstream batting first on a lovely day for cricket was dismissed for 161 with Bruce Adams making 42. Adam Gell bowled well for Seville taking 4/51 and he was ably supported by Daniel Gale who chipped in with 3/44.
In the R. A. Finger Trophy, Gruyere District recovered somewhat after being 2/6 in the early part of the match to be 7/137 at stumps on day one. Luke Sarre led the recovery with a fine 67 and a grinding 24 from Neil Waixel. Davis and Ridd both have two wickets for the Hoddles Creek Wombats.
R. A. Finger Trophy 2 is Gruyere District v Hoddles Creek at Seville. Gruyere District 161, R. Prouse 49, B Davis 4/29 v Hoddles Creek 1/20.
In the R. A. Finger Trophy 3 grade, disappointingly no scores were received from this game between Yarra Glen and Marysville, played at Coldstream. We understand that Yarra Glen (who will be heavily fined) has a strong first innings lead after day one, and by all reports should complete an outright win some time during day one.
Unless outright results have been achieved by end of Sunday’s play all matches will continue on Saturday, 25 March.