Point Cook through to decider as junior Warrior shines

12/03/2019

VTCAPOISUN5gurbaksh — Khaira Gurbaksh. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

By Lance Jenkinson

Not only did Point Cook win its way through to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 grand final, it may have solved a lingering problem during its five-wicket victory over Sunshine Heights at Saltwater Reserve on Sunday.

The bold decision to promote home-grown youngster Darcy Harmer, 17, produced the goods in terms of the Warriors’ problem with the No.3 batting position.

Harmer played a crucial role in the Warriors run chase. He provided 36 runs and featured in a match-winning 68-run second-wicket stand with star opener Harpreet Singh, who top-scored with an entertaining 55.

After his semi-final showing, Harmer is expected to stay at No.3 for the four-day grand final with Sunshine that starts this weekend.

Warriors player-coach Aaron Whear said Harmer’s success was pleasing as he was a junior product of the club.

“He started at the club in under-11s and worked his way through, so to see him get 36 in a semi against a quality attack is fantastic,” Whear said.

Photo Gallery: Sunshine Heights vs Point Cook

Set 142 for victory, Point Cook wasted no time eating up the runs, reaching the target in just 41.1 overs – almost half the overs it took for Sunshine Heights to make its 141.

Singh was the key.

He lit up the game with six fours and a six to consign the Heights to defeat.

“Sunny Singh is a very good player,” Whear said. “He scored 50-odd in quick time, which sort of took pressure off the rest of the bats.”

It was really a perfect semi -inal performance from Point Cook.

The Warriors bowlers were spot on, particularly the spin duo of Whear (3-38) and Gurbaksh Khaira (4-47).

They were supported well by enthusiastic Warriors fielders.

“It was a terrific, all-round performance,” Whear said.

“We bowled well, we caught well and we batted particularly well.”

It will be a history-making day when Point Cook features in its first VTCA first XI grand final.

“We’ll need to bring our best game going forward, but we’re excited,” Whear said.

In division 2, Werribee Centrals were caught in a spin by Glenroy and eliminated at the semi-final stage.

Glenroy’s veteran spinner, Steve Goodwin was unstoppable, taking 8-44 as Centrals were all out for 114. Goodwin has taken an incredible 55 wickets at 6.9 this season.

Glenroy passed the target six down, despite a thorough examination from the Centrals’ bowlers.