Grand United’s and Caroline Springs’ finals runs came to an end at the first hurdle in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association on Sunday.
In the Steve McNamara Shield, the Gorillas faced West Coburg St Andrews in a semi final on the weekend, with the bowlers leading the way for both sides.
The Redbacks decided to bat on Saturday and got off to a strong start as they were 1-61.
The wickets then started to fall and they crumbled to be bowled out for 147 in the 73rd over.
Hashan James took four wickets for the Gorillas, while Amar Ullah took 3-27.
The Gorillas were able to get through unscathed late on day one, finishing the day at 0-5.
The Gorillas didn’t last long on day two before the wickets started to fall.
They were quickly in trouble at 3-15 and it soon became 6-36.
The Gorillas needed a miracle to get the game back on track, but it didn’t come their way.
Instead wickets continued to fall and they were bowled out for just 69 in the 35th over.
Kyle Holden top scored with 16 for the Gorillas as just three batters reached double figures.
The Redbacks will face Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s in the grand final after it upset the previously undefeated Williamstown Imperials.
In the Roy Picone Shield, Caroline Springs lost a thriller to Gellibrand.
The Falcons made 181 on day one of the match with Mohammad Mehdi top scoring with 62 at the top of the order
Daniel Le-Paez (30 not out) and Supun Perera (39) provided some late runs to help the Falcons post a defendable total.
It was a chase that would go down to the wire.
Gellibrand was in trouble at 7-116 before skipper Paul Hetherington and Brayden Macdonald put on nearly 50 for the eighth wicket.
The Falcons managed to break that partnership and get another wicket.
They were unable to get that last wicket though, as Gellibrand finished 9-183.
Jermaine Levy took three wickets for the Falcons.
