Undera will chase a C-grade premiership after downing Northerners in the semi-final. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
Undera was untroubled on its way to the Jim McGregor C-grade grand final, taking down Northerners in the semi by five wickets and with almost nine overs to spare.
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The Lions’ minor premiership status earned them a Cricket Shepparton home final at Undera Park, but it was the visiting Northerners who won the toss and elected to bat in the must-win contest.
After losing Matthew Hall early, the visitors’ first drop, Kieran Humphrey, effectively shut up shop, holding on for a 41-ball six runs while remaining opener Tim Brett went on the offensive.
Russell Sheriff took 1-52.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Despite Humphrey’s limited contribution, Brett’s 64 from 51 saw the duo add 68 for the second wicket, putting the side 1-73, but when Brett’s luck ran out a cascade of wickets fell, as Northerners slumped to 6-87.
Aiden Bollard held things together with an unbeaten 41; however, he didn’t have much help from the tail, and Northerners limped to only 140, before being dismissed in the final over.
Travis Guppy starred with bat and ball for Undera.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Everyone chipped in for an all-round bowling performance, as all five men used grabbed at least one scalp.
Travis Guppy led the way with 2-15, while Ash Hockey (2-20) and Xavier Moon (2-30) also had two wickets, with Glen Campbell and Russell Sheriff contributing one each.
Glenn Campbell rolls the arm over.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The balanced effort translated to the field, with five Lions claiming catches and two others executing run-outs.
The chase got off to a promising start, as Undera openers Chris Hauser and Travis Guppy added 46 for the first wicket.
Kieran Humphrey gets on the drive for Northerners.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Guppy would prove the linchpin of the innings, surpassing 50 during a 41-run stand with Ash Hockey for the fourth wicket.
He eventually fell for 58 from 84, but Hockey went on to make 43 not out as Undera (5-143) ran down Northerners early in the 32nd over.
Tim Brett is on the attack.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Dallas Furnell and Ty Davidson grabbed two wickets each for Northerners, while Jason Wisely added one.
Undera moves on to the grand final, where it will face the side that narrowly defeated it just a few weeks ago, Old Students.
The two will clash for the title at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
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