Tara Murray
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 semi finals on Tuesday night were full of drama, with a super over needed to decide one of the grand finalists.
Both matches went down to the wire, with the two lower ranked teams pushing their senior division opponents all the way.
Division 2 side Sydenham-Hillside, the lowest ranked team left in the knockout competition, almost caused an upset against Aberfeldie.
The Storm were only in the semi finals, after Point Cook, which beat them in the previous round, had been disqualified.
Aberfeldie, which was sent in made 4-109 from its overs. Cam West top scored with 64 at the top of the order.
It was all single wicket takers for the Storm.
The Storm got off to filer and were 0-55. The wickets started to fall and they soon found themselves in trouble at 8-89.
Tim Grech and Alexander Barlas continued to fight, with the Storm finishing 8-109, to force a super over.
Ishan Dombagaha Pathirage was the pick of the batters for the Storm with 50.
Batting first in super over, the Storm made 1-5.
Aberfeldie made that on the fifth ball, finishing 0-6, so secure the win.
Aberfeldie will play reigning champions Haig Fawkner in the grand final.
Haig Fawkner beat division 1 side Deer Park in the other semi final.
Deer Park batted first making 6-155 from its overs.
It was all single wicket takers for Haig Fawkner.
Haig Fawkner lost an early wicket before the middle order set about chasing down the total.
It would go down to the final ball, with Haig Fawkner getting across the line, finishing 5-159.
Shakeel Ahmad top scored with 50.
The grand final will be played ton February 27 at Clifton Park, Aberfeldie.
It will be a double-header with the women’s competition grand final to be played beforehand.
Finals in the women’s competition will get underway on Sunday.
Caroline Springs will face Glenroy-St Andrews PV and Westmeadows will play Altona Roosters in the other semi final.
