Finals bound: Gavin Webb in action for Wendouree. PICTURES: KATE HEALY
WENDOUREE is just one step away from a fifth-straight Ballarat Cricket Association club firsts crown.
The Red Caps reached yet another grand final with victory over Mt Clear at the weekend, and will now meet Napoleons-Sebastopol in pursuit of the premiership.
It will be the third consecutive decider between the two clubs.
Wendouree, the minor premiers, rolled the fourth-placed Mounties for 101 in the semi final at Eastern Oval on Saturday, before clinching a five-wicket win early yesterday afternoon.
Captain Heath Pyke said it was a strong display from his side, particularly its bowlers, who worked hard to set up a small run chase.
But Pyke has quickly turned his attention to the grand final, which is played over four days, starting this Saturday.
“In the end you don’t sit down at the start of season just to make the grand final, you obviously want to win grand finals,” Pyke said.
“There’s still two weeks of hard work left before we sit down and see how we’ve gone for the year.”
Naps-Sebas was also celebrating last night after a thrilling three-run win at Wendouree.
The triumph dashed Darley’s hopes of a maiden club firsts grand final.
The Lions appeared in the box seat for victory after dismissing their rivals for 150 on day one, and looked to be home late yesterday when they needed just four runs to win with two wickets in hand.
But wickets with consecutive balls from hero Dayne Furness helped dismiss Darley for 147 and secure a rematch against the Red Caps.
The build-up to the grand final gathers momentum tomorrow night with the BCA awards dinner.
The function kicks off at Bray Raceway from 7.30pm and is headlined by the EJ Cleary Medal and Bernie Davey Medal vote counts.
Match reports, page 37