Tara Murray
Grand United put out the complete performance to seal a second straight Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 grand final spot.
The Gorillas showed their strength with the bat and then the ball, to claim first innings points on day one of the two clash with East Keilor on the weekend.
While the game went into day two, the match was already over.
Club president Alan Hale said it was fantastic for the group to be back in the decider.
“It’s redemption after last year for the group.
“We looked to regroup and put ourselves in the same position. We brought in a couple of new faces to complement what we had and we got some good Grand United people back to the club and they’ve all played well.
“Hopefully we’ll go out there and play well and hopefully come home with the chocolates.”
On Saturday, East Keilor won the toss and decided to bat.
After being 1-45, the side collapsed and was all out for 92.
Hale said they were thrilled with that bowling performance.
“East Keilor didn’t start too badly, but we finished off well and were able to bowl to our plans and field well to come away with a good result with the ball.”
Melisha Deshapriya took 6-13 off 13 overs to be the pick of the bowlers for the Gorillas.
With plenty of time left on day one, the Gorillas were keen to get the runs needed.
The Gorillas’ finished day one at 4-104.
“The batters got in and got the job done and passed the score on the first night,” Hale said.
“We looked at the time left in the day and thought if we go at three runs and over we could get the runs.
“Sachintha Silva came out and played well and made 50 on the first night. We then batted strongly on day two.”
Hale said while they lost some early wickets on day one, they were always in control of the run chase.
The Gorillas finished with 6-178, with Silva top scoring with 57.
Hale said for them, day two was about getting some batting practice ahead of the grand final.
The Gorillas will host Sunbury in the grand final after the Roar beat Point Cook in the other semi final.
The only match between Grand United and Sunbury during the season ending in a draw after day two was washed out.
Hale said they were excited to host the biggest day of the season at home.
“Sunbury is a quality team,” he said. “They have some good experienced cricketers and we will have to play our best to beat them.
It’s been a successful season for the Gorillas with their under-17 and D1 turf teams already winning premiership.
They have also had other teams make it into grand finals, but just fell short.
“Overall it has been a pretty successful season,” Hale said.”
