Not this time: Matthew Cape (Darley) hits out as Jake Eyers and Tyler Dittloff (Naps-Sebas) look on. PICTURE: KATE HEALY
TWO late strikes from medium-pacer Dayne Furness has shattered the dreams of Darley and booked Napoleons-Sebastopol a spot in a third-straight grand final.
Furness snared a five-wicket haul in the semi final clash at Wendouree, but it was his last two that will be best remembered.
The Lions, which restricted Naps-Sebas to 150 on Saturday afternoon, crawled their way to 8-147 before Furness found the mark with consecutive balls.
He had Brad Barnes caught behind with the fourth ball of his 10th over and then trapped Peter Moore leg before with the next delivery to win the match for his side.
His figures of 5-20 were match-winning in a contest of momentum swings.
Darley batted almost 87 overs only to fall short of victory, with opener Tim Hughes (eight off 114 balls) and Barnes (two off 57) showing how slow scoring was yesterday afternoon.
The Lions were unable to string any significant partnerships together, but captain-coach Matt Cape (46) and Ryan Ali (41 not out) tried hard for their side.
Barnes was the star with the ball on Saturday, claiming 6-17 to set-up the match for his team.
Naps-Sebas opener Dan Scott’s patient half-century (59 from 189 balls) was important in the end result, as was a late cameo from Nathan Doonan (29 from 60 balls).