By Steve Doble

Yet another Grand Final appearance for a local sports team awaits the Astute Financial Muddies this weekend after a C Grade blitz over Rovers in searing heat last Sunday morning.

Defending a strong 8/190 declared, the team opened with paceman Shulz and spinning Redderz (the Good Bloke). 

The quickie offered great line and length on a deck that was not assisting bounce returning 0/1 off 4 overs but not wanting the quality batsmen to get off to a major start, skipper Doble switched to Doug Barnes whilst Redderz well and truly tied down the other end. 

It was in the 13th over of the match at a tight 0/22 that Barnes snuck one between bat and pad followed two overs later with Rovers’ outspoken skipper LBW after keeper Jedi Ged gave him a few gentle reminders about his previous week’s chit chat (sledging). 

With these two key batsmen removed the Muddies toiled and toiled, knowing 2 more batsmen removed would potentially place them in the box seat. Redfern bowled relentlessly past the drinks break offering a straight forward catch to mid off fielder Keel Sorensen, 3/42. 

hane Mortier is widely respected as a quality bat (and bowler) by Muddies and someone who values his wicket well beyond most; consequently with big hitting Barry Lea at the other end Muddies shifted fielding positions with regularity. Bowling changes were made with Keel Sorensen bowling beyond his age an satisfying the skipper by landing in the areas supported by the field set, yet luckless he went for 0/20 off 7 overs. 

Shulz was switched to Redderz end but extracted more bounce when returning to his original end, 0/17 off 9 overs. 

Raj who extracts plenty of teeth attempted to remove the batsmen but struggled with line to the lefties. With the score upward of 3/109 with 21 overs to defend the last 72 runs after the major break it was time to bring back Barnes and Redderz or try something odd like the full tossers of Darlington, the former was the logical decision! 

Bowling as instructed over the wicket and pitching a full delivery on leg found the foot of Lea, out LBW to Barnes for 29 in a 4th wicket partnership of 67. The Muddies talk was loud and confident as the lads pulled together as strong team unit. 

Redderz kept the pressure up with 3 fielders protecting the boundaries, Rovers’ skipper instructing his bats to get a move on. Mortier in unrelenting heat faltered with energy but upped the run rate 4/140, 10 overs to get 51 runs. 

Jedi had kept strongly, ensuring pressure on the batsmen by keeping up to the stumps, although one or two chances of fast edges had popped out of his gloves along the way and hard on himself he had been, so it was very welcome when on 76 Mortier gave him another equally sharp chance and fortunately the umpire heard it, out to Barnes caught behind. 

Knowing the remaining batsmen would be going for everything Doble kept Redderz and Barnes on and they tore through the tail as the pressure mounted, the last 5 wickets falling for 30 runs leaving Rovers short with 4 overs to spare. 

Redderz managed one more wicket, 20 overs 2/55, but it was Barnes (sadly absent for the GF) who delivered 21 overs for the astute figures of 8/61, his best for the club. 

Next weekend will be a Saturday and Sunday two day Grand Final Vs unknown Tully who were winners of the other C Grade pool of teams.

Post Christmas the C Grade teams will vie for a one day trophy. 

Go the Astute Financial Muddies!