MELTON advanced to the South West first XI grand final of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association on Sunday after drawing with Caulfield.
Werribee beat Elsternwick to set up an all-western suburbs affair in the season decider.
But there was no weekend win for the Lions as rain had the final say on Caulfield’s season.
Melton, the minor premier, advanced thanks to the draw which saw no play on Sunday.
Caulfield had had some early success on Saturday after winning the toss and sending the Lions in. Mick Allen (34) and Michael Alexander (24) put on 61 for the first wicket but departed in quick succession in a collapse of 4-24.
But 38 overs was the most Caulfield could get in as Melton’s 4-85 score would prove to be the final one for the match.
At Chirnside Park, Werribee bowled out Elsternwick for 97 in just 36.3 overs and knocked off 1-100 in 21.4 overs to advance to the final.
MacPherson Park will be the host venue for the match, starting this Saturday from midday and continuing on Sunday.
In Western Suburbs United Churches Cricket Association, a rain-out delivered a premiership for Eynesbury Green as it drew with Charles Sturt University to win the one-day grade.
The Eagles, a new club in its first season, have been a suburban sports fairytale, going from a team with eight players heading into their first match to one which ultimately ended up fielding two teams in the division.
Eynesbury Green finished top of the home-and-away season by one win from CSU, and it made all the difference in Saturday’s grand final.
Eynesbury faced 35 overs batting first with Stuart Peters (53) and Lee Williamson (55no) driving the total to 6-184 at the compulsory close. But the Eagles never got the chance to bowl as rain swept in, though they took out the premiership nonetheless.
In Ballarat Cricket Association, Darley’s fourth XI has one hand on the premiership after winning the first innings by a run and consolidating in its second dig against Mt Clear.
Darley made 110 first up without a batsman making more than 25, but managed to make the score a winner as Matthew O’Brien’s 7-41 helped bowl out Mt Clear for 109.
Brett Walker then hit 115no in the second innings and Clint Salisbury 59no as Darley reached stumps on day two with 1-208 on the board.
