HASTINGS District Cricket grand finals will be played this weekend, weather permitting, with the top two teams, Macquarie and Wauchope, set to do battle over two days at Oxley Oval to determine this season’s first-grade premier.
Wauchope defeated the Magpies by 149 runs at Andrews Park in a rain-affected contest in the preliminary final with the home team knocking up 6/192 from their 60 overs.
In response the ‘Pies were dismissed for just 49 runs without any batsman reaching double figures.
The second-grade decider will see minor premier Port City face the defending premier Wauchope, which have won the past seven grand finals in succession.
It’s an all-Magpie affair in thirds with the Port City Swoopers taking on their clubmates the Strikers. The Swoopers advanced over Wauchope Blue when their game was abandoned half way through the afternoon. The Swoopers had finished their innings at 9/105 with Ray Atkins top scoring with 24 supported by Dylan Lewis, Jamie Glason and Nik James playing their part with the bat in difficult conditions at Sancrox. Heavy rain then forced the umpires to call off their match at 5pm as the wicket was deemed unsafe to play on.
At Tuffins the Strikers scored a comprehensive seven-wicket win over the Pirates Billhooks. The Pirates were bundled out for a total of 55 with Adam Power finishing with career best figures of 7/21 from his eight over spell and Luke Morrison claimed 2/10. Clinton Cocking with 21 runs led the way with the bat along with Dave Moore on 19 not out to pass the target before the rain set in.
The fourth-grade Leagues ‘Pies will defend their title against the Rum Runners after their match against Wauchope was also stopped due to the weather. Port City made 6/123 with Dave Blanch 29 and Ian Dickson making 23 runs.
Wauchope began their chase and were on 0/9 after three overs when umpires were forced to abandon the game.
Briefly in other news, Magpie Ian Hughes is about to set a wicket keeping record having taken 25 catches in just 18 matches so far this season with one game to go.
The Hastings Cricket Association presentation night will be held at the Westport Club on Saturday 19 April, from 6pm, which includes Australian Cricket Legend Doug Walters as the guest speaker and a two-course meal.
Tickets are available now via the HRDCA for $45 each and, in addition to the presentation of awards for all grades, a memorabilia auction and raffles will also be held on the night.
