Jarvis Delahey Crushers has finished its GVBBL season on a high after defeating ladder leader Sporties Spitfires by 48 runs on Sunday afternoon.
Opening batter Ramadan Yze led from the front smacking 45 runs from 44 balls, including five fours and one six, to kick start the Crushers’ innings.
Other contributors with the bat were Reinhardt Engler (21 off 18 balls) and Quinton Venter (16 off 11) as the Crushers finished on 9-136 after 20 overs.
The wickets were shared among the Spitfires as every one of the six bowlers took at least one wicket. First-change bowler Tom Purcell (3-34) and captain Liam Smith (1-16 from four overs) were arguably the pick of the bunch.
Having already secured a spot in the GVBBL final, the Spitfires’ top six had a different look as they tried to make it three wins from three games this season.
Crushers’ fast bowler Dylan Klemm didn’t take too long to get involved in the action as opening batter Daniel Clohesy spooned Klemm’s third ball of the innings to mid-on for the first wicket.
After Sunday’s effort where he finished with 2-33 from his four overs, Klemm finished the round-robin stage of the tournament tied second overall for wickets with six in total.
And despite the Crushers missing out on qualifying for the final, Klemm believes the GVBBL has once again been a success.
“Yeah, it (GVBBL) is very good...I like it,” he said.
“You get to play against and meet new players that you don’t normally play against, which is cool.”
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Directing traffic: Crushers' Dwain Vidler tinkers with his field. Photo by Liam NashImage 2 of 7
One brings two: Crushers celebrate a wicket. Photo by Liam NashImage 3 of 7
Long walk back: Spitfires' Kyle Humphrys after being dismissed for 18. Photo by Liam NashImage 4 of 7
Steamin’ in: Crushers' Ethan Brookes hunts a wicket. Photo by Liam NashImage 5 of 7
Back to your mark: Crushers' Cameron Hemp gets back to his feet. Photo by Liam NashImage 6 of 7
Flying in: Crushers' Sam Nash mid-bowl. Photo by Liam NashImage 7 of 7
Eyes on the ball: Spitfires' Chathura Damith looks to up the scoring. Photo by Liam NashThe Spitfires’ run-chase never really got started as they consistently lost wickets throughout their innings, eventually being bowled out for 88 runs from 15.4 overs - their lowest score for the tournament.
But the Spitfires, who are in their debut season, will have to put this loss behind them as they head into the final in three weeks. There, they will play the Hurley’s Hotel Hounds who demolished the SRP Mud Dogs in their do-or-die clash by 51 runs.
GVBBL leading wicket-taker Michael Archer again played a pivotal part in the Hounds victory, taking 3-8 from his four overs to take his season tally to 10.
The GVBBL grand final between the Spitfires and Hounds will be played at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, February 11, at 2pm.