Point Cook’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 premiership hopes were dashed by Sunbury on Sunday.
Having claimed the minor premiership, Point Cook entered the match as favourites against a Sunbury side which only sealed its finals spot in the final round.
But the Roar’s experience shone through as they proved too strong for Point Cook in its return to finals.
The Roar won the toss and decided to bat, which looked like the right decision early on.
The Roar got to 0-66 before losing three quick wickets to slip to 3-80. Point Cook wasn’t able to keep the momentum going as the Roar’s middle order ticked the scoreboard over.
The Roar finished with 7-225 from its overs.
Max Rouvray and Ross Martin took two wickets each for Point Cook.
Point Cook’s batting innings couldn’t have started much worse than it did.
Dasith Jayatilake and skipper Darcy Harmer were both gone when the score was on one and it soon got worse.
Point Cook quickly found itself in trouble at 7-31, with a score higher than 100 not looking likely.
Rouvray and David Hicks showed some resistance for Point Cook taking the total past 100.
The pair put on 87 for the eighth wicket before Rouvray was out for 47.
Point Cook’s tail continued wagging and they pushed the score past 150, keeping the dream alive.
Once Hicks fell for 59, the innings was soon over with the side bowled out for 157 in the 69th over.
Coach Carmine Conte had said before the season started they were keen to play finals and push all the way after finishing second last in the previous season.
Sunbury now faces Grand United in the grand final this weekend.
It was better news for Point Cook’s second XI which beat Sunbury in their semi final to secure a grand final spot.
Sunbury made 124 with Joshua Litherland and Suvidh Arora taking three wickets apiece.
Point Cook was in control at 2-91, before the Roar led by Jackson Treweek fought back.
Despite some nervous moments, Point Cook got the job done finishing 8-126.
Point Cook will face Caroline Springs in the grand final after it beat Sunshine Heights.
In other divisions, Yarraville Club is through to the decider and will play the winner of Deer Park and Haig Fawkner after that semi final was postponed. In division 1, Sydenham-Hillside will host St Francis de Sales and in division 2, Footscray United will play St Andrews Pascoe Vale.
