THIS WEEK’S GRAND FINAL FIXTURES BELOW THIS STORY.
TARNEIT is relishing its instant impact in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association.
The first-year club will have its two senior teams feature in grand finals this weekend, having qualified in the B grade and C grade matting competitions.
“The club only started up in May,” playing president Sandeep Singh said.
“In the first year we’ve had an outstanding response from the local community.
“To have two teams in the seniors and both of them playing in grand finals is fantastic.”
Tarneit bulldozed its way through to the Bgrade decider with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Caroline Springs at Arndell Park on Sunday.
With play abandoned on Saturday, all the action was confined to Sunday.
It did not worry Tarneit one iota as they bowled the Springs out for 51 and reached the target in a quickfire 18 overs.
“That was totally outplaying a team,” Singh said. “We played with energy and enthusiasm. It was a very good win.”
The victory was set-up by a miserly team bowling display.
Branton Hocking had a game to remember with 5-12 off 9.2 overs – his second five-wicket haul of the summer.
“He really led the attack,” Singh said.
“He put the ball on the right lengths and lines.”
The new ball combination of the speedy Kamalpreet Singh and Maninder Buttar set the tone with their stifling tactics.
Singh did not take a wicket but built the pressure with 0-6 off six overs and Buttar did a similar job with 2-6 off six.
“Our bowlers did a fantastic job,” Sandeep Singh said.
“They kept it tight and took wickets at the right time.”
The Tarneit run chase was never in doubt.
Opening batsman Deepak Sharma kept his head to play the anchor role with 16 not out, allowing Sandeep Singh (24) to play with a bit more freedom. Singh is hoping the local community will come out in force to support his two sides in the quest for double success in their first year.
The Bgrade side will go in as red hot favourites against Melton Centrals, while the C graders will meet local rivals Wyndhamvale in an even-money showdown.
WDCA GRAND FINALS
A1 turf: Williamstown Imperials v West Newport
A2 turf: Footscray ANA v Melton Centrals
B1 turf: Grand United v West Newport
B2 turf: Melton South v Melton Centrals
C composite: Grand United v Point Cook
A grade matting: Western All Stars v Melton Centrals
B grade matting: Tarneit v Melton Centrals
C grade matting: Wyndhamvale v Tarneit
One-day: Laverton v Grand United
