SYDENHAM Hillside’s cut-throat semi final with Pascoe Vale Central had to be decided on Monday (after deadline) after a sprinkler problem flooded the venue ahead of play on Saturday. After the same problem raised concern over the suitability of the field at Oak Park Swim Centre a week earlier, the captains and umpires agreed to start the two-day George Luscombe Shield semi-final on Sunday.
Speaking from a team barbecue and recovery session on Sunday night, Sydenham Hillside president Paul Rigg admitted he was disappointed to see Pascoe Vale Central’s home venue in such a state on Saturday.
“It was quite disappointing to come to that ground yesterday morning and see the ground under water but the team adapted well to those circumstances,” Rigg said.
“But it was completely playable today. They made sure the sprinklers didn’t come on and it was bone dry.”
Play finally got underway on time on Sunday with the home team and premiership favourite choosing to bat, which proved wise after 80 overs.
Pascoe Vale Central battled through a slow start and a 45-minute rain delay to finish the day 7/254.
Rigg described the effort of Storm captain-coach John Thrush as “Hercules-like”, as he sweated through the humid conditions to claim 1/43 and eight maidens in a gruelling 24-over spell.
Dean Allan proved handy with 2/35 from 20 overs while Sam Bhanot was also valuable for the visitors with 2/33.
“We bowled really well and tight early and it was very restrictive,” Rigg said.
“The runs came in a flurry at the end of their innings and I guess the key to any game of cricket is to have wickets in hand, and that’s what they had.
“It was a measured performance but our boys were equally impressive in terms of their effort in the heat.”
The winner is set to take on Kealba Green Gully in the grand final this weekend.
