By STEVE UTTING
TWO of the Monbulk cricket teams were lucky enough to participate in finals action over the weekend.
After sneaking into fourth position, beating the top side in the semi, the Under 13s played in the grand final against Rowville.
After the first night, Rowville was in a strong position at 2/80 versus Monbulk’s 5/59.
On the second night, Monbulk managed to bat out their 40 overs and reach 9/121.
With two early wickets, Monbulk put pressure on Rowville, but they were too strong in the end, passing the score at 5/122 in the 35th over.
Ben Grimes was the star, who retired and then came back in at the end to make 38 not out, but all boys need to be congratulated on a great season and finishing runners-up.
Meanwhile, the senior 3rd XI, who finished on top of the ladder, played in their semi-final versus Ferntree Gully at home.
Batting first in this split-innings match, Monbulk batted patiently to reach 3/103 after 35 overs.
Damian Howard 39 and Jason Dekkers 38 not out were the main contributors.
Monbulk bowled out Ferntree Gully for 92 on the first day and reached the grand final.
Skipper Tim Fogarty and his team will play in the grand final at Monbulk next weekend.
