Tara Murray
Two cracker matches means the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 grand final series will go to game three next Saturday.
Grand United claimed the win in game one, before Footscray United fought back in game two to level the series.
Gorillas president Alan Hale said it was a weekend of cricket.
“There was a lot of good cricket,” he said.
“There were a few key wickets at key times in each of the games. Next week will be a cracker jack of a match.”
In game one, the Gorillas made 6-173 from their overs. Nilan Fernando Wannakuwaththa Waduge top scored with 67.
United bowled out for 138 in reply. Matthew Hayes and Thamindu Melisha Deshapriya Walathara Arachchige took four wickets each.
“The boys batted through the overs,” Hale said. “Footscray United brought their game to us, but we really stood up with the ball and we had the runs on the board.
“Our bowlers and fielders really stood up.”
In game two, Footscray United made 7-197 from their 40 overs. Chathura Milan top scored with 56.
Hayes took two wickets for the Gorillas.
The Gorillas were then bowled out for 129 in the 34th over.
Wannakuwaththa Waduge top scored with 58.
Hale said the match was pretty even for most of it.
“They got off to a cracker jack start from Milan,” he said. “The last 30 overs we bowled really well.
“With the bat, Fernando was exceptional, but we lost key wickets at key times. We’ll learn from it.”
Game three will be played at Parsons Reserve on Saturday.
Hale said this is what you play cricket for.
“It’s not often seen in cricket that you have a best of three grand final series,” he said.
“You normally either win or lose.
“The best team will win, I’m back us in. We’re looking forward to next weekend.”
