The Maccas-Port City Bowling Club 1st Grade Leagues Magpies upset Minor Premiers Macquarie at Wayne Richards last weekend, to advance to the Grand Final.
Port City was in trouble early at 6 for 65 until a determined Josh Kew dug in and put on 60 runs. He was supported by the middle and lower order, including Jesse Schmidt (35), Craig McElroy (31), Craig Grant (27) and Jason Herdegen (24) to reach a competitive total of 244 in 86 overs.
The Magpies bowling attack then frustrated Macquarie, with wickets falling at regular intervals and they were eventually dismissed for 132 in 53 overs. McElroy finished with 4/25 and, along with Herdegen (3/17), and Ash Anderson (2/32) combined with eight catches in the field, shut down the opposition.
Port City has earned a week off, while Macquarie faces Wauchope in the Preliminary Final this weekend. Wauchope disposed of Pirates at Oxley Oval by 59 runs in the elimination final.
The 2nd Grade Designer Living Kitchens Leagues Magpies were made to work hard against Bonny Hills to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Port City won the toss and elected to bat first on a good wicket at Laurieton Oval but found themselves at 4 for 13 in next to no time.
Experienced campaigners Ray Atkins (41) and Jamie Hall (43) then steadied the ship with a 76-run partnership and, with a wagging tail, they finished all out for 182 in the 73rd over.
Bonny Hills then had to contend with a nasty session just before stumps on the 1st Day and were reeling at 3/31. Wickets continued to fall early on Day 2, with Bonnies dismissed for 119 in the 57th over.
Tony Glavurdic (3/23), Peter Kew (3/36) and Sean Staniforth (2/23) did most of the damage. The Magpies then had to contend with surviving the rest of the day to prevent the opposition from stealing a victory and, although there were some anxious moments, they ended the day at 8 for 99 in their 2nd innings, with a lead of 160.
Mick Hourigan (26*) and Atkins (25) were best with the bat. In the Major Semi, Wauchope were too strong for Macquarie, winning by 10 wickets.
Macquarie will face the Leagues ’Pies this weekend to see who will face Wauchope in the Decider.
In 3rd Grade Comboyne beat Camden Haven by 82 runs, meaning the Redbacks will clash with Beechwood this Saturday after they eliminated Wauchope Red by 28 runs.
The Better Homes Port City team were beaten by Wauchope in the 4th Grade major semi by 3 wickets. Leagues managed 7/152, with Mick Gordon (44), Kade Fens (36) and Jack Steinmetz (30*) top scoring. Although Magpies bowlers Rohan Kew (3/19) and Adam Power (3/19) did their best, Wauchope still reeled in the runs required, with 11 overs remaining.
Port City will now take on Comboyne, who knocked out Camden Haven by 53 runs, while Wauchope has the week off.
