Taylors Lakes wasted no time in gaining the full respect of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association in its inaugural season.
The Lions defied all the odds by swooping on a top six finish after an incredible final day of the season.
In its maiden finals appearance, Taylors Lakes provided a massive scare for minor premier Williamstown before falling agonisingly short of victory in a 39-run east-west qualifying final loss at Williamstown Cricket Ground at the weekend.
The Lions must have felt like they were in a winning position at stumps on day one, having bowled the Seagulls out for just 203.
At 7-105, Williamstown appeared to be sinking, before late heroics from Brenton Hodges (56), Matthew Twentyman (25), Luke Rainone (29) and Daniel Popa (22no) boosted the total.
It was a disappointing outcome for Yoshan Kumara (4-38 off 14 overs), Dilan Chandima (3-37 off 14) and Jarrod Wakeling (2-95 off 36) to see Williamstown reach 200 after the bowling unit had such a strong start.
The Lions’ bowlers must have felt like they provided their batsmen with an achievable target, but they would be kicking themselves late on Sunday for letting this one slip.
Kumara provided the spine to the innings with 87 and captain Michael Brne chipped in with 30, but the rest of the recognised batsmen wilted.
The Lions were bowled out for 164 and the dream of a finals win was over.
In the VTCA, Keilor was beaten in a semi-final by Greenvale Kangaroos to the tune of 98 runs.
Sunshine United has come from fourth to book a spot in the north-west division grand final. The Tigers mauled top-ranked Aberfeldie by 78 runs. United will meet Seddon, who came from third to upset Druids, in the grand final.
In north A1, Sydenham-Hillside and Sunshine YCW will square off in the season decider.
In west A1, Grand United fell to the curse of the minor premiership, making just 60 in a heavy 86-run defeat.
In NWMCA, Kealba-Green Gully will play Gladstone Park in the big one.
Danny Viani (4-62), Jarrod Catania (4-35) and Dave Rogowski (49) starred for Kealba-Green Gully in a semi-final win over Pascoe Vale Central.
Lance Jenkinson
