Phillip Island push past Inverloch

• B Grade, Division 1

FLAG favourites Phillip Island has brilliantly chased down Inverloch’s big total with just an over to go at Cowes Recreation Reserve.

The visiting Stingrays batted first, and it was opener Brett Debono 67 who had the semi-final clash off to a great start for his side.

But Phillip Island continued to take wickets, not allowing the middle order to hit their straps.

However, Lucas McMillan 37 and Amad Mutjaba 27 hit form late in the innings and helped Inverloch reach 8/196 after 50 overs.

Kurt Lane led the way for Phillip Island with the ball, taking 3/37 off 6.1 overs.

When it came time to chase Inverloch’s total, Phillip Island captain and opener Steve McIntyre put the side on his back, patiently making his way to a half century.

Kurt Lane 23 and Tony Hornsby 37 also added valuable runs, but McIntyre kept going, reaching 93* as Phillip Island passed Inverloch just five wickets down with an over to spare.

Cougars leave Red Caps reeling

KOONWARRA L/RSL will take on Phillip Island for the B1 premiership after handing Nerrena a convincing loss at Leongatha Secondary College on Saturday.

Jordan Pickersgill 44 opened the batting nicely for Koonwarra, and Brad Anderson’s 40 at first drop put them in a powerful position.

A steady 22 from Brendan Tomada and then a quick 36 from captain James Rushton helped them reach 7/206 after 50 overs.

Nerrena were on the backfoot early in their run chase, with Koonwarra dismissing their entire top order for 28.

Shaun Sparks 24 had a crack at recovering the innings, but the Cougars soon got back on top, bowling them out for 82.

Cooper Cary finished with brilliant figures of 3/5 off three overs, as did Matthew Boswell who grabbed 4/7 off three.

• B Grade, Division 2

Poowong Loch overcome the odds

AFTER posting a very mediocre first innings total, Poowong Loch has held on against Phillip Island to keep their dreams of winning the B2 premiership alive.

Poowong Loch opener Said Magnusson 24 had the hosts to a decent start, but when wickets kept falling the pressure got put right on his teammates.

After losing a flurry of wickets through the top and middle order, a 23 from Ben Giles proved to be vital, helping them reach 117 before they were bowled out in the 46th over.

Phillip Island’s bowlers would’ve been very happy with their efforts, especially Heath Womersley who took 3/12.

But their efforts with the ball, couldn’t quite translate to the bat, except for opener Jack Keating who made 25 before being run out.

All of Poowong Loch’s bowlers were on song, but Joel Dickson was pivotal, taking 4/9 off 7.2 overs, including three of the last four wickets with the game still on the line.

Dickson took his final wicket in the 42nd over and Phillip Island were all out for 99, giving Poowong Loch the 18-run win.

Handley helps Diggers reach final

A SUBLIME 88 from OMK’s Scott Handley was the catalyst behind of their big win over Wonthaggi Club at Outtrim Recreation Oval on Saturday.

OMK batted first after winning the toss and after a couple of early wickets fell, captain Russ White 25 and Brad Hayes 26 steadied the ship.

After their steady innings’, Handley arrived at the crease ready to make runs and he blasted 10 fours on his way to 88.

Owen Fitzpatrick also belted a quick 37, and suddenly OMK were 8/228 after 50 overs.

Opener Jai Williamson 28 and first drop batter Will Speed 29 kept Wonthaggi in the game early on, but OMK kept finding ways to take wickets.

Captain Nathan Davis 20 and Sean Roche 20 also fought hard in the middle order, but OMK’s bowlers and fielders continued putting pressure on.

In the end it was enough pressure to have Wonthaggi all out for 153 in the 44th over, securing a 75-run win and a spot in the grand final.