Jets aiming tobreak Suns streak

STRATHFIELDSAYE will be striving to break Strathdale-Maristians’ reign as first XI champion in this weekend’s Bendigo District Cricket Association grand final.

The Jets and Suns will clash at Queen Elizabeth Oval from noon on Saturday and Sunday.

The grand final is clearly in the Suns’ favour as they contest a first XI grand final for the sixth season in a row.

Strathfieldsaye has not won the Sir John Lienhop Shield as first XI premier since 2001.

In the only meeting between the teams this season, it was the Cam Taylor-captained Suns who dominated play on Strathfieldsaye’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.

The Suns scored 5-356 as opening batter Daniel Clohesy struck 116 runs and had great support from Grant Waldron (88), James Barri (64) and Matt Wilkinson (42 not out).

The best of the Jets’ attack was captain Campbell Love with 3-96 off 22 overs.

Strathfieldsaye’s chase was led by opening batter Pat Felmingham (63), but the Jets fell to all out for 189 as Taylor (5-42) and Will Purcell (4-52) wreaked havoc.

The Jets played superbly in last weekend’s first semi-final on Golden Square’s turf at Haymes Paint Shop Oval in Wade Street.

The Bulldogs were bowled out for 189 as Chathura Damith (4-34) and Savith Weerasinghe (4-36) did the damage.

The Jets chased down the target for the loss of just three wickets as Love (70 not out), Weerasinghe (58) and Felmingham (33) led the way.

In the second semi-final, Sandhurst scored 235 in Saturday’s play against Strathdale-Maristians at the QEO as Sam Johnston (4-60), Taylor (3-72) and Purcell (2-44) starred. In a rain-affected match, it was the Suns who reached 5-206 off 74 overs as Taylor (78 not out), Clohesy (44) and Jack Neylon (40) ensured another grand final appearance.