Tara Murray
Caroline Springs stole victory from the jaws of defeat to seal a grand final spot in Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4.
Williamstown Colts were on top of the semi final for most of the match and even heading into the final over the Colts were ahead.
A stunning final over from Gavin McCallum stole the game for the Falcons and left the Colts stunned.
Falcons president Anthony Rice said they were still in shock about the result.
“You don’t see those sorts of games too often,” he said.
“It was the most miraculous win you could have seen.”
The Falcons batted first and made 6-147 with Roshan Laksiri top scoring with 31.
The Colts were cruising at 3-120, needing 28 runs off the last 10 overs. Rice said while the game wasn’t over, they knew victory at that point was unlikely.
If the match had been a draw, the Colts would have progressed through to the grand final series, due to being the higher ranked team.
“It came down to the last over,” he said. “They needed two runs off the last over [for the draw].
“Gavin McCallum bowled the last over. He had a lot of experience playing in the senior division.
“He took a triple wicket maiden with the game coming down to the last ball.”
The Colts finished 8-145.
McCallum finished with 5-18 off his eight overs.
Rice said it has been 10 years since their last XI grand final appearance.
“It’s certainly our first turf senior grand final which is quite an achievement,” he said.
“We are hungry for success and it’s another step for us.”
The Falcons will play Gellibrand in a best of three grand final series. Like the Falcons, Gellibrand took late wickets to seal their spot.
Rice said they were looking forward to a good series.
“The keys are making runs and getting early wickets. They have two really strong openers, who we need to knock over early.
“I believe we have the weapons to win it.”
The Falcons fourth XI will play for grand final glory on Saturday in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.
The best of three grand final series against Burnside Springs United sits 1-1 after the first weekend of matches.
