Cricketers chase place in grand final

SEMI-FINALS in the Bendigo District Cricket Association’s first XI will be played this Saturday and Sunday.

Action in the 85-over innings matches starts at 12.30pm.

Reigning premier Strathdale-Maristians faces Sandhurst at Queen Elizabeth Oval in View Street.

A formidable Suns’ line-up led by Cameron Taylor includes Grant Waldron, Ben DeAraugo, Sam Johnston, Ryan Haythorpe, Jack Neylon and James Vlaeminck.

Huge challenge for the Dylan Gibson-captained Dragons to halt the Suns.

Key players for Sandhurst include spin bowler Liam Bowe, all-rounder Taylor Beard, opening batters Shane Robinson and Thomas Starr, Rylea Jones and Liam Stubbings.

Golden Square marks a return to the finals when it hosts Strathfieldsaye at Haymes Paint Shop Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.

The Liam Smith-captained Bulldogs had a semi-final berth locked up going into the 12th and final round, but will be determined to hit back after being dismissed for 131 by Kangaroo Flat.

Key players for the blue and gold include Tim Wood, Scott Trollope, Jake Higgins, Connor Miller, Dylan Robinson and Scott Johnson.

The Campbell Love-led Strathfieldsaye has the experience of Ben Devanny, Chathura Damith, Cameron Clayton and hard-hitting opening batter Patrick Felmingham.

Zoltan Smyth plays a key role in the top-order for the Jets.

Love captured five wickets in the win on Huntly North’s turf at Pegasus Pitstop Oval at Strauch Reserve.

Grand finals for the second XI, third XI and under-18s are on this weekend.

It’s Eaglehawk against White Hills in the second XI clash starting at 1pm at Bendigo District RSL Oval in Weeroona Avenue.

Strathfieldsaye takes on White Hills in the third XI showdown from 10am at National Heating and Cooling Oval in Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.

The rising stars from Eaglehawk and Strathdale-Maristians will contest the under-18 boys match from 8.45am at McDonald’s Oval in Scott Street, White Hills.