Only two overs were completed on Saturday in the match between Grand United and West Newport but it may not be the last time the two side meet this year. 77008 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By LIAM TWOMEY
MELBOURNE’S weather prevented a mouth-watering clash in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association from being completed on Saturday.
Round 11 pitted league leaders West Newport against premiership hopeful Grand Untied in what could be a preview for finals action in a couple of weeks.
The match was left hanging in the balance after day one with West Newport bowled out for 120 inside 50 overs.
The Grand United run chase got off to a less than ideal start with the Gorillas 4/48 in reply when stumps was called.
Grand United coach Dean Comensoli said it was disappointing that weather intervened in the match.
“It was just too wet. We didn’t get on til 3 o’clock and then once we did get on the rain came again,” he said.
“We were in a fairly good position. We were confident we were going to get the runs. It’s disappointing not to get them but the three points will assure our spot in the finals. That’s what it’s all about at the moment just getting into the four so we can have a tilt at it.”
“We would have loved to have had a good day out in the middle but it was beyond our control.”
The result sees West Newport remain in top sport on the ladder, mainly because of two outright wins it has been able to produce throughout the year.
Grand United will finish in third regardless of what happens in this week’s final round of competition.
Comensoli said the club was feeling good heading into another finals campaign.
“We are confident that we have the side to have a tilt at winning it. It’s just about trying to get things to go right in the finals.”
“We just need to do the basic well. If we bat well, bowl well and do everything right the rest will look after itself.”
Despite being in second position on the ladder, the team to beat heading into the business end of the season could be the Williamstown Imperials who are yet to lose a match this year.
The Imperials will put the finishing touches on their finals campaign this weekend against Point Cook.
The match takes on added significance for Point Cook who will need to win to guarantee a finals birth.
