Cricket
20 January, 2025
Homers and Warriors book grand final rematch
The West Wimmera Warriors and Homers will square off in the Horsham Cricket Association's one-day Grand Final on February 23, following comfortable wins over the Horsham Tigers and BrimKSH, respectively, in round ten, which was the final one-day match of the season.
The Homers and BrimKSH battled at Sunnyside Recreation Reserve in a battle of second and third on the ladder, with the winner assured of making the grand final.
After winning the toss and bowling, the Homers struck early, with Baxter Perry taking three of the first five wickets to have the Eagles five down quickly.
Isaac McPherson, 14, Royce Bennett, 19, Connor McGinniss, 12, and Charlie Dean, 12, tried to revive the innings, but the Homers' bowling was too strong, and they were bowled out for 87 in the 29th over.
Youngster Phoenix Hopper, fresh off an excellent country week performance for Horsham under-15s, also took multiple wickets, claiming 2/8 (2.4).
The Homers didn't have trouble chasing the total down, finishing at 1/90 in the 30th over with Luke Miller and Monty Wynne unbeaten on 37 and eight, respectively. Royce Bennett claimed the Eagles' only wicket, having Adam Atwood caught by Sandon Schultz for 33.
Homers captain Adam Atwood praised the team, highlighting the fielding.
"We caught well today, and the boys behind the wickets caught well," Atwood said.
"Baxter bowled well, and the pitch did a bit with the new ball, but it flattened out a bit. It was our catching and pressure, which was a standout."
Atwood said that with the two-day competition being open, moving a game clear in second spot is an advantage.
"We need to finish second just in case there is a washout or something," Atwood said.
"We also just have to keep batting and playing well and winning every game."
Horsham Cricket Association President Justtin Combe said they had been the two standouts this season and that it will be an exciting grand final rematch from last season.
"They have been the two best teams in the one-day comp, so hats off to them, and it will be a great game," Combe said.
"BrimKSH did well in their first season and showed they are on the right path."
At Davis Park in Nhill, the Warriors secured the top spot with a comfortable six-wicket win.
The Warriors won the toss, sent the Tigers into bat, and restricted them to 7/129 after 45 overs. Bradley Alexander was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/26 (9). Joshua Lees also took multiple wickets, finishing with 2/23 (9).
Angus Adams continued his excellent season with the bat with another unbeaten 46.
The Warriors, led by Jobe Dickinson with 55 and Brad Alexander with 32, chased the total down in the 32nd over with six wickets remaining, finishing at 4/130.
Angus Adams was the pick of the Tigers bowling with 2/31 (8).
At Noradjuha Recreation Reserve, a century to Justtin Combe has led the Bullants to a massive 183-run win over Laharum.
After winning the toss and batting, Combe made 107 off 130 balls in an innings, which featured ten fours and one six. Jason Harris also had a great game, hitting 71 off 79 with eight fours and one six as the Bullants made 8/238.
Josh Mahoney took a five-wicket haul for Laharum, finishing with figures of 5/22 (9) with two maidens.
In reply, the Bullants bowling was too good, with Jack Combe 3/16, Austin Smith 3/17, Jordan McDonald 2/8 and Matthew Combe 2/14 having a day out as they bowled Laharum out for 55 in the 20th over.
Dayan Wilfred top scored for Laharum with 11 runs.
The Colts secured an important win at Dudley Cornell Park, defeating Lubeck Murtoa by 27 runs.
After losing the toss and being sent into bat, the Colts were bowled out for 136 in the 44th over. Josh McCluskey and Josh Colbert both topped the innings with 33 apiece.
Thomas Barrand was the star for the Mudlarks with the ball, claiming an impressive 6/16 (6.4).
In reply, the Colts bowling was led by Jake McLean 4/29 (9) and Harrison Millar 3/25 (9) as they bowled the Mudlarks out for 109 in the 39th over.
Cameron Newell and Shannon Reddie were the Mudlarks' bright lights in the batting department, scoring 26 and 24, respectively.
The next three rounds are two-day games, and there are still a lot of teams in contention for finals.
