Cricket fans across the region were treated to some top competition as Castlemaine & District Cricket Association grand finals were battled out across all grades last weekend.
In the A Grade finals Barkers Creek won two matches in the ‘Best of Three’ grand final series to defeat a determined Newstead outfit and claim an incredible sixth consecutive premiership title.
Other matches saw some close clashes. Highlights of the weekend were Barkers Creek A Grade batsman Nathan Newlan’s 108 not out effort in Grand Final 2 on Sunday at the Camp Reserve.
Seven bowlers picked up three wickets across the weekend with Barkers Creek A Grade bowler Lewis Stabler topping the table with 3-11 also in Sunday’s Grand Final 2 clash against Newstead.
Results were as follows:
A Grade
Grand Final 1
In Saturday’s opening final at the Camp Reserve Barkers Creek 4-217 (Darby Semmens 69, Marcus McKern 49, Joshua Newlan 37, Nathan Newlan 37 not out; Joel Meredith 2-38) defeated Newstead 8-213(cc) (Tom Reece 83, Kris Walter 75; Mark Noonan 3-29, Joshua Newlan 3-49, Lewis Stabler 2-18).
Grand Final 2
Barkers Creek backed it up on Sunday making 7-252(cc) (Nathan Newlan 108 not out, Darby Semmens 41, Lewis Stabler 41; Nick Ebery 2-50) to defeat Newstead 131 (Cameron Hepburn 34; Lewis Stabler 3-11, Mark Noonan 3-39) and claim the overall win.
A Reserve
Grand Final
The Harcourt versus Muckleford final at Wesley Hill came right down to the wire. Harcourt 157 (James Cole 3-25, David Envall 3-41) emerging victorious over Muckleford 9-156 (Callan Hough 30) by the smallest of margins.
B Grade
Grand Final
In the B Grade final Harcourt 130(cc) (Mick Rogers 2-14, Bradley Gould 2-20) made it a double for the Lions in front of their home crowd defeating a spirited Maiden Gully Marist 95 (Koby Simmons 3-25, Tyla Brereton 2-9).
Women’s
Grand Final
In the Women’s grand final showdown on Friday evening at Newstead the home side scored 4-118 (Janelle Sowula 4-6) to defeat Barkers Creek 67(cc) (Fianna Gardner 3-9) capping off their undefeated season and claiming the title.
C Grade Junior/U16
Grand Final (Two Day)
In the C Grade final the home side Muckleford opted to bat first on day one and set up a commanding 7-155(cc) (Patrick Leathem 48, Tom Smith 32) lead. North Castlemaine/Guildford did their best to chase the target down but fell short in the end despite a terrific effort making 85 (Tom Smith 2-3, Abe Isdale 2-13).
