Cricket fans were treated to thrilling semi-final matches yesterday as teams battled for a spot in the Monaro District Cricket Association (MDCA) Senior Men’s One Day Grand Final. The Jindabyne Tigers faced off against the Cooma Titans at JJ Connors Oval, Jindabyne, while Berridale Whitetails took on Coffey’s at Rotary Oval, Cooma.
PHOTO: Aqib Abbasi delivers an off-spinner to Tigers Captain Lucas Rixon CREDIT: Jindabyne Tigers
Saturday March 22, saw two semi-finals take place in the Snowy Mountains. In Jindabyne, the Titans elected to bowl first after winning the toss. The Tigers, led by impressive performances from openers Issac Dawson (39) and Liam Robinson (30), as well as Vice Captain Dave Tickell (31), posted a competitive 186 runs before being bowled out. Titans’ bowler Amir Zaman shone with figures of 2/4 from just one over. However, the Titans struggled in their reply, suffering an early collapse. Jindabyne’s Dave Oxley took centre stage with his leg-spin, claiming 4/40 from six overs. Despite some resistance, the Titans were dismissed well short of the target.
PHOTO: Jindabyne’s Dave Tickell sweeps Hari Shankar for a boundary.
Meanwhile, over at Cooma, the Berridale Whitetails put on a batting masterclass. After winning the toss and deciding to bowl, Coffey’s watched as Berridale’s opening batsman Justin McCarey smashed an unbeaten 145. Captain Russell Haylock added crucial support with 37 runs, propelling the Whitetails to a commanding 4/281 in 40 overs. Coffey’s put up a brave fight, with Hunter Caldwell (72) and Captain Nick Moon (47) leading the charge. However, Coffey’s narrowly missed the mark, finishing at 7/274 after 40 overs.
PHOTO: Coffey’s run is over – Captain Nick Moon did everything he could to book his side another grand final date.
The Grand Final, scheduled for next Saturday, March 29 at Rotary Oval, promises an exciting clash between the Jindabyne Tigers and Berridale Whitetails. Berridale Captain Russell Haylock expressed his pride in the team’s progress, stating, “It was an unreal feeling to have gone from last place in both the T20 and One-Day competitions last season, to having a chance at winning both titles. Couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”
“According to senior player Ben Hearn, it’s been at least 20 years since Berridale made an A Grade grand final, so we are hoping to do the Club and town proud.”
Jindabyne’s top run scorer in the semi-final win, Issac Dawson, shared his enthusiasm: “I personally love playing in grand finals, and as a club we’re obviously stoked to be there and keen to rip into what should be a tough contest against Berridale. Three premierships on the trot would be a pretty big achievement for us.”
“Justin McCarey’s form is honestly no surprise, he’s one of the bats in the competition, He scored 100 against Coffey’s the last time they played as well.”
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a spectacular showdown that could go either way, with action getting underway at 11:30am. With this year’s competition being as close as it was, the Grand Final contest shouldn’t disappoint.
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