By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals’ good form has continued with the side through to a Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield Division 5 grand final.
Entering the finals on the back of four straight wins, Centrals proved too strong for Jacana in a semi-final at the weekend.
Centrals captain-coach Adam Hulett said they were stoked to be through to the grand final.
It will be Centrals’ top side’s first grand final since the 2014-15 season when they lost to Grand United in the Williamstown and District Cricket Association.
“We played a really good game and everyone played their roles,” he said of the semi-final clash.
“Everything has been business as usual. We’re focused on preparing the same, training the same and we’ve been keeping with the plan.
“We want to continue down this path.”
Centrals won the toss on Saturday and elected to bat, making 245.
Hulett said while happy with the score, they could have put more runs on the board.
“Some things went our way and sometimes that is the luck.
“But we left some runs out there.
“We were bowled out with 24 overs remaining, so we could have got a few more runs if we had gone about things differently.
“They bowled well under the circumstances they had.”
Hashan James top scored with a well made 68, while Waduwidanalage Rangika made 40.
Hulett said the most pleasing thing was it wasn’t left to one person.
“It was a team performance with a lot of guys making runs,” he said.
“Steve Robertson, who has been our best batsman in recent weeks, didn’t have the best day with the bat, but others stood up.”
In reply, the Jaguars were bowled out for 122.
Photo Gallery: Melton Centrals vs Jacana
Like in their bowling innings, things didn’t go their way with rain halting their momentum.
Hulett said they just focused on the task at hand.
“You can’t control that,” he said of the rain.
“The game was in the balance and they had some good batsmen in.
“We got a run-out straight after the break and a wicket not long afterwards
“We stuck to our plans [and] it paid off.”
Rangika was the pick of the bowlers, taking 5-34, while Hulett took two wickets.
Centrals will face Aberfeldie Park in the grand final over the next two weekends.
Hulett said they were confident that they could continue their form.
“Two of our best games this season have come against Aberfeldie Park.
“Hopefully it is third time lucky and we can get over the line.”
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