Cricket round-up: Queenscliff and Barwon Heads make finals

BARRABOOL’s surprise victory over Ocean Grove in the final week of the regular season sees Barwon Heads and Queenscliff claim the two remaining finals places.

Ocean Grove had enjoyed a near-perfect first week against Barrabool, bowling their fellow finals hopefuls out for 126 before finishing 0/23.

However, an inspired bowling performance from Barrabool saw last season’s premiers bowled out for just 90.

Nathan Findlay opened the bowling and remained unchanged for 22.5 overs, finishing with 7/33.

Had Barwon Heads lost to Collendina, Findlay’s efforts would have seen Barrabool reach the finals.

Yet Barwon Heads were clinical, taking a 110-run win over Collendina and claiming third place.

Knowing certain circumstances could have seen them rely on percentage to make finals, Barwon Heads had their opening bowlers Michael Fallon and Sam Schaller deliver all but four of the 64.3 overs their team bowled.

This proved a sound strategy, as Fallon and Schaller took five wickets each.

Despite the rout, Ben Ricardo did offer some resistance with the bat. His 55 marked his third consecutive half-century.

Barwon Heads will play Jan Juc in the semi-final, with Jan Juc having finished their match last week with a compelling win over Portarlington.

Anglesea defeated Queenscliff by 39 runs to finish the regular season unbeaten.

They will meet again in the semi-finals as Barwon Heads victory saw Queenscliff drop to fourth.

At 1/102, Queenscliff were on track to chase down Anglesea’s 231.

However, Anglesea once again showed their impressive bowling depth once more, with five separate bowlers picking up wickets to foil Queenscliff.

In the GCA, Leopold’s match against St Josephs in the Division 1 Firsts is finely poised.

Leopold opener Tim Marshall blazed 62 off 67 deliveries to get his side off to a great start.

Leopold eventually fell for 160 but finished the day well with the ball to have St Joseph’s 4/52 at the close of play.

Torquay and Modewarre both have difficult chases on their hands this weekend, with Torquay needing 272 to win against Bell Park and Modewarre needing 304 after Richie Oliver’s mammoth 173 for Geelong City.