MONBULK Cricket Club’s first XI has moved into the grand final after defeating Belgrave South in Monbulk over the weekend.
Batting first on Saturday, Monbulk made 7/303 which was dominated by a big partnership by the in form Blake Walter (65) and keeper Daniel Clark (52) before the tea break. After tea, skipper Shane Cosstick (50) kept the scoreboard ticking over before Jason Simmonds made a quickfire 48 to take Monbulk’s score over 300 at the end of their 80 overs.
On Sunday, Monbulk took to the field on another hot day to defend their big score. Opening bowler Chris Martin got the first wicket with a brilliant run out. Tight bowling from Aaron Powell, Rick Lamers and Dave McKay before tea, meant that Belgrave South was well behind the required run rate. After tea, Monbulk took eight wickets, which included another three run outs and three by Blake Walter to bowl out the opposition for 225 and take them into the grand final.
Next Saturday 16 March and Sunday 17 March, Monbulk take on Mountain Gate at home on the MCG to battle it out for the Decoite Shield.
SEMI-FINAL
First XI – Monbulk 7/303 (Blake Walter 65, Daniel Clark 52, Shane Cosstick 50, Jason Simmonds 48) d Belgrave South 10/225 (Blake Walter 3/75).
