UPWEY-Tecoma U15/1 XI scored an emphatic win over Eildon Park to secure a place in the Grand Final this weekend.
The semi-final played at Eildon Park was the third visit to the Panthers’ home this season and went to plan with a strong all-round performance.
Asked to field first, the Tigers managed to put the brakes on the strong Eildon Park line-up after a solid start of 0/42 after 10 overs. Chris Brown (3/21) and Jordan Whiteman (2/4) then orchestrated the necessary breakthroughs to reduce their hosts to 6/67 at the halfway point of the innings.
With great support from Jayden Brown (2/8) and Jake Evans (1/18), the hosts were reduced to 8/91 before a lower order rally stretched the score to 126 until Keenan Hinton (1/23) closed out the innings.
Resuming overnight at 0/10, the Tigers lost an early wicket before James Blair (37 n.o.) and Sam Raru (50 n.o.) took control of the match and put an early end to proceedings in the 33rd over, safely passing the target with just two wickets down.
The U13 XI rounded out a wonderful end to their season bowing out in a semi-final to competition leader, Knox Gardens.
Winning the toss and batting first, Jackson Barnard (73 n.o.) and Jordan Tailby (51) turned in outstanding performances to secure a highly competitive total of 184 at Argyle Reserve on Day 1.
Day 2 saw the Falcons batting line-up control the first 15 overs, reaching 1/78 before Aaron Cross (4/26 from 8 overs) made inroads through the upper and middle order.
Well supported by Tyson Perfect (1/22 from 5) and Jordan Tailby (0/18 from 6) the young Tigers never stopped working for their team-mates and bowed out in the 37th over with six wickets to their credit.
Club delegates heaped praise on the talented group at season’s end and look forward to a bright and promising future with their proud, young Tigers.