Tara Murray
It took until the final ball, but Sydenham-Hillside is through to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 2 grand final series.
The Storm were in control for much of their semi final against the Greenvale Kangaroos on Saturday, but were made to work hard for the win.
In the end, they needed three runs off the final ball for the win and a grand final spot.
A boundary from Warren Hackney did the job to get the Storm over the line.
Storm coach Geoff Pretty said they were pretty happy with the season so far.
“We are playing to win a premiership, not to come second,” he said.
“You would expect our experience to stand us in good stead in the grand finals. Now it’s about making sure that everyone is ready for the grand final.”
For Pretty and the side, the semi final it was too close for comfort.
The Kangaroos made 9-157 from their overs with plenty of starts among the batters. Matthew Lucente top scored 36.
The Storm shared the wickets around, with three players taking two wickets each.
The Storm would finish 7-159. Ben Green was the star with the bat, making 70.
Pretty was full of credit for the Kangaroos and their ability to continue to fight and take the game deep.
“It was lot closer than I would have liked,” said Pretty. “We were in control until the 30 over mark.
“We will learn a lot more from winning that way. You’re going to have momentums swings in the grand finals that you have to work through.
“We expect it to be a tough finals series.”
The Storm now face Newport-Digman in the best of three grand final series.
Newport-Digman’s semi final against Williamstown CYMS also went down to the final ball.
Pretty said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“Both teams will be prepared,” he said.
“We’re happy that it’s a best of three series, as if you have a bad day, you’re still in it.
“It’s the bet two teams in it and hopefully the finals series justifies that.”
