Tara Murray
Sanctuary Lakes’ first XI will play finals for the first time in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association competition.
After slipping up the last couple of weeks, the Sharks needed to beat Wyndhamvale in the final round to have any change of making the division 5 finals.
While the Sharks got the win, there were some nervous few minutes with Melton Centrals looking like they could get an outright win for a while and over take them.
Seabrook showed some resistance against Centrals, meaning the Sharks would finish fourth.
Sharks skipper Brett Talbot said for the side on Saturday it was about getting back to basics.
“The last couple of weeks we’ve had opportunities, but we haven’t taken them,” he said. “Yesterday [Saturday] was a good effort from the boys, nice that everything worked out.”
The Sharks were bowled out for just 107 against the Vales, who have struggled for most of the season.
The ball continued to do things in the Vales innings with rain falling. The Vales resumed at 4-43.
The Sharks got going early on day two and had Wyndhamvale bowled out for 77.
Jay Dolliver top scored with 77.
Wade Kirkwood was the star for the Sharks, taking 7-38 off 18.1 overs.
Talbot said they just backed their bowlers in to do the job. He said the way the whole side had prepared for the second day, had shown they were really switched on and how much it meant to them.
“We went back to what was working,” he said. “We have two excellent opening bowlers, so we went
back to them and they did it again for us.
“It was fantastic.”
The win means the Sharks will enjoy playing finals for the first time in a number of years.
“It’s the first time in the VTCA that the first XI has been in finals,” he said.
“Our seconds won it last year. We’re really happy with what we have achieved, it’s been a gradual step and pathway.
“We’ve been in the competition for four or five years and this is the most games the first team has won and the highest points scored, there’s good signs.”
The Sharks now face Footscray Angliss which claimed the minor premiership after an outright win against Donnybrook.
Talbot said they know that they’re the underdog heading into the finals.
“We have not played them this season,” he said. “They are an unbelievable team and finished first for a reason.
“We’ve got so much belief and we’re going to go out there and give it our best shot. We’re going to enjoy the moment and produce what we can.”
In more excitement for the club it’s the first time all four of its senior sides have made finals.
Point Cook claimed the minor premiership in division 3 after an outright win against Glenroy.
Point Cook will face Sunbury in a knockout semi final.
