By Charlene Gatt
TAYLORS Lakes will finish the North West Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield on top of the ladder after winning a grand final rematch against 2006-07 runner-up Gladstone Park on the weekend.
After posting 361 on day one, Taylors Lakes had Gladstone Park looking shaky at 3/64 before Heath Shephard (100) joined forces with John Markham (59) to post a 132-run fourth wicket partnership to take Gladstone Park to a more secure 4/196.
However, a middle order slump counteracted the revival, putting Gladstone Park at 8/282.
Strong performances from tailenders Shaun Portelli (33) and Rohan Keats (26) produced a feeble light at the end of the tunnel which was promptly distinguished with Portelli’s dismissal, the Lions bundling out the opposition for 337 to take first innings points.
Paul Thomas was the best of the Taylors Lakes bowlers, taking 4/107.
Taylor Lakes heads into the final round of the home and away season 18 points clear of Pascoe Vale Central, and is a firm favourite to take out back-to-back titles.
Taylors Lakes assistant coach Shane Lee said the side was thrilled to beat its fierce rival so close to finals time.
“It was a sensational game, a very hard-fought contest and one that we’re happy to take away,” he said.
“We’re rapt that we were tough enough to get through.
“We’re obviously confident due to the fact that we are sitting on top quite clear from second place, we’re in good form at the right time and we’ve still got that competitive edge over our rivals and we’re still hungry.”
Gladstone Park is in fifth spot – six points behind this weekend’s opponent Sydenham/Hillside, but with a higher percentage – as the two teams battle for a finals berth at Hillside Recreation Reserve.
In other games, Kealba-Green Gully was too good for Campbellfield, Pascoe Vale Central’s 320 dwarfed Roxburgh Park’s 97, and Sydenham/Hillside made 6/235 declared to beat Buckley Park 94 and 9/263.
