By Tara Murray
Heading into the final round of the regular season, Sydenham-Hillside was hoping for a top-two spot in Victorian Turf Cricket Association Charles Clark Shield division 4.
Instead, a win against Moonee Valley and other results falling their way handed the Storm the minor premiership.
Storm vice-president and first XI player Warren Hackney said it was “something that fell in our lap”.
“It’s a real bonus for all the hard work that we’ve done,” he said.
“We were just happy to have a home [semi]-final.”
The Storm enters the finals as the form team of the competition, having lost just one match since the Christmas break.
That one-day game was a different proposition to what the Storm will face in the finals.
On Saturday, the Storm completed a strong win against Moonee Valley.
Hackney said Moonee Valley had a lot to play for as it looked to avoid relegation.
The Storm made 6-224 in reply to Moonee Valley’s 120.
Jarryd Lindsay top-scored with 88, while Ben Green hit 62 not out.
The Storm will face Williamstown Congs in a semi-final for a spot in the grand final.
Hackney said the side would be heading into uncertain territory.
“They are an interesting one as we don’t have a competitive fixture completed against them,” he said.
“It was washed out half-way through our two-day clash.
“We had the chance to bowl, but didn’t get to bat against them.
“They’ve been in some good form.”
It’s been a good year for the Storm, with three of its five men’s sides through to finals.
Like the first XI, the second XI has claimed the minor premiership.
The fourth XI is also through to the finals.
Hackney said they were hoping success would come in the next few weeks.
“We’ve got three out of five sides in finals and we’re happy with that,” he said.
“Hopefully, a couple of them can follow our women’s side that won the premiership last week.”
Caroline Springs’ season came to an end with a tie against Sunshine YCW.
With finals all but out of the equation, the Falcons played out a thriller on Saturday.
Needing 137 for victory, the Falcons were bowled out for 136 – the same as the YCWs.
Nadeera Thuppahi top-scored with 49.
The Falcons finished the season in sixth, four points outside the top four.
In division 5, Melton Centrals claimed the minor premiership.
The Centrals ended the regular season with a big win against Flemington. Having restricted Flemington to 92, Centrals made 161. Centrals will play Jacana in the semi-finals.
Melton South Royals ended their season with a loss to Footscray ANA. The Royals finished the season in seventh position, 11 points outside the finals.
MORE VTCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/jacana-hits-winning-form-for-finals/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunshine-united-through-to-finals/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-cruises-into-finals/
