By Dejan Kalinic
SYDENHAM/Hillside was relying on rain to save it from a crushing defeat against Buckley Park in the George Luscombe Shield semi-final in the North West Cricket Association.
Storm, who made a bright start to the season and finished top of the ladder, appeared destined for a loss in the semi-final as teams planned to finish off their rain-interrupted encounter yesterday (Monday) after Star went to print.
After losing the toss and being forced to bowl, Storm could only restrict their opponents to 5/300 on the opening day.
But their performance with the bat was poor, slumping to 8/111 at the end of the day’s play on Sunday. Both teams headed back to play out the remaining 30 overs yesterday.
Under the regulations, Storm will be awarded the result if inclement weather prevents the allotted overs being bowled.
Chasing the mammoth target, the home side lost gun opener Terry Bayly (8) in the third over.
Fellow opener Dean Allan (10) and captain-coach Bob Kunesevic (15) combined for a 26-run stand for the second wicket before the chase turned ugly.
Storm lost 7/29 before the rain set in and the teams were forced from the ground at around 3pm on day two.
Although they did return to the field and the tail continued to wag, only a miraculous finish or the weather would see Storm through to the final.
Kealba-Green Gully returned in search of 30 runs with only two wickets in hand against Pascoe Vale Central.
The Cougars skittled their visitors for 118 on the opening day, mainly thanks to a brilliant bowling effort from Jarrod Catania (7/53).
But the batting again proved to be the hurdle as they slumped to 8/89 at the end of day two with the teams also returning to finish the contest.
Balraj Randhawa (21) top scored but the tail will need to find every possible run if the Cougars are to make the final.
