By Liam Twomey
A last-wicket partnership of 83 gave St Albans a stunning win over Merlynston Hadfield at the weekend to book a place in Turf Cricket’s north A1 finals.
Taking on third-placed Merlynston Hadfield in the final round looked a daunting task, but the fifth-placed Saints brought their A game.
St Albans bowled first and ripped through Merlynston Hadfield for just 139 in 46 overs.
In reply, the Saints looked out of the contest after slumping to 9-90.
But then the final pair of Paul Hetherington and Andrew Pizaro came together and guided them into the finals.
Hetherington top-scored for the innings with 61, while Pizaro’s 22 was his highest of the season.
St Albans president Ian McKenzie was full of praise for both batsmen.
“It was amazing,” McKenzie said. “We still needed 60-odd and for Andrew and Paul to get us over the line was fantastic.
“Paul has done that about three times for us this year and for Andrew to be able to stick around with him was fantastic.”
The win meant St Albans jumped from fifth to second and will now host a home semi-final against Haig Fawkner this week.
The winner of that match will progress to the grand final to play the winner of Aberfeldie and Merlynston Hadfield.
“It’s an amazing game, cricket,” McKenzie said.
“To jump from fifth to second and now have a home final is great.
“This has happened against us a few times, but this time everything went right.
“To go from being out of the four and staying out to having a home final is amazing.”
