By Daniel Redfern

THE Astute Financial Mud Crabs quest for back-to-back Douglas Cricket Association flags kicks off this weekend after a convincing win over North's on Saturday.

The Muddies were bowled out for 137 in their B Grade clash in Cairns, with the pressure already off having taken first innings points last week, bowling North's out for 74. Resuming on 7/126, the visitors added just 11 more runs to their score, leaving Willow not out at the crease on six. The win sees the Muddies facing North's again this weekend in a semi final clash in Port Douglas.

With North's entering their second innings on Saturday the Crabs decided to throw the ball around, with part-timers  Sammy Evans taking three wickets and keeper Darren Wall  two. Wall produced what only can be described as hang grenades and was dangerous throughout his spell finishing with 2/13, while Evans finished with 3/28. North's eventually declared  on 9/185.

In great spirit North’s set the Muddies 122 of 15 overs as a target with Benny V and Ethan opening the batting. After early wickets Kingy (22not out) came to the crease and finished the day with  49 run partnership with Ethan, who finished with an impressive 39 not out end. The Muddies finished on 2/79 , with the first innings points enough to secure them the minor premiership.

The 100 over match semi final clash this weekend starts at 10am on Saturday and will conclude Sunday.