by Samuel Laffy
Catani (236) def. by Western Park (7/237)
Western Park's impressive depth with the bat enabled them to claim victory over Catani on the weekend – and in the process clinching third spot on the division three table – following a superb three-wicket win.
Having been set a challenging run chase by the Cats – who have regularly tormented the Warriors at this level of the WDCA – Dulip Liyanage (a scything 32) and Matt Roberts (who showed great maturity in his 55) combined for an impressive opening stand that quickly handed momentum to Western Park.
A flurry of wickets led by Cameron Wagstaff (2/28 from 15) and Nathaniel Wade (2/58 off 13) enabled Catani to stem the flow of runs, and for a while the game was in a holding pattern as Andrew Thompson (16 from 42) and Eddie Dieu (17 off 75) staunchly defended.
Jack Allen provided the spark for the Warriors with a typically nonchalant 31, but even still at 7/187 the game was well and truly in the balance as it headed towards the last ten overs.
Western Park had two aces up their sleeves however – with Travis Maher (35*) and Dave Burn (21*) biding their time down the order as their teammates came and went – and the duo combined for a stellar 50-run unbeaten eighth-wicket stand that took their side over the line, 7/237 in the 66th over.
Iona (8/63) def. by Hallora (265)
Resuming at 2/75 and already having claimed victory, many around the league wondered what Hallora's approach would be on the second day of their round 14 clash with Iona.
And the Kangaroos took the opportunity to enjoy a rollicking stint in the middle as they prepare for finals, eventually taking out a 202-run win over the Swamp Tigers.
It was a day to remember for Brayden Hunter, the talented top order bat making an even 100 and batting with great conviction and concentration on the way to his well-deserved century.
His contributions have been vital to Hallora's success over the course of the summer, and the milestone was no doubt joyfully celebrated by his teammates.
Daniel Reiner (42), Edward Lemmon (25), and Jonno Whelan (a typically hard-hitting 24) all chimed in with handy contributions as the scoreboard ticked over at a rapid rate, before Hallora were dismissed in the 60th over for 265.
Michael Taylor (4/83 from 18) and Andrew Hilder (3/46 off 9) were impressive with the ball for the Swamp Tigers, who must be congratulated on the disciplined approach they took to a game that had already been decided before a ball was bowled on Saturday.
Ellinbank (104) def. by Trafalgar (9/289)
Having posted an imperious total on day one of proceedings, Trafalgar romped to a 185-run win over Ellinbank in their final home-and-away clash, with the Ships attack enjoying a morale-boosting day ahead of their semi final clash with Western Park next weekend.
David Bremner – who has been one of the stand-out quicks in the division three competition all summer – again bowled with great intensity and pace, and his ability to rush the Ellinbank batters enabled him to snare 4/32 and hasten the Eagles' demise.
Daniel Heathcote demonstrated the immense value his years of experience also bring to the Trafalgan attack, with his ability to move the ball helping him claim 4/34 as the Ships bundled Ellinbank out for 104 in the 49th over.
Only Bailey Helps – who struck a measured 34 in the middle order – was able to provide a semblance of resistance, with just two other bats (Adam Campbell with 18 and Harmanpreet Singh with 11) making it to double figures.
Warragul (62) def. by Longwarry (3/75)
Match was completed last week.