Tara Murray
Sunbury finally showed what it can do with the bat and the reward is a grand final spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3.
After showing glimpses at times this season, the Roar put together a strong all round performance to account for minor premiers Point Cook in the semi finals on Sunday.
Roar coach Jace Carton said they were pretty happy to be through to their third grand final in four seasons since joining the VTCA.
“It was sensational,” he said. “The boys finally hit their potential with the bat at the right time of the season.
“We now have to take that into next week.”
The Roar started well and got to 0-66 before losing three quick wickets. The Roar was able to steady and lower order pushed the score past 200.
The Roar eventually finished 7-225.
Paul Webber top scored with 61 at the top of the order.
Carton said they were able to consolidate after the fall of wickets and made sure they batted out there 80 overs.
“We stuck to the plan,” he said. “The boys never panicked.
“They knew the job at hand and where we needed to get to.”
With their bowling attack their strength, Carton said they were always confident of getting the wickets needed.
He said they had one of the best bowling attacks in the competition.
Leading the way and not for the first time was Jason McGann.
McGann got four early wickets and had the figures of 4-2 early on. He finished with six wickets.
Carton was full of praise for McGann.
“He bowled as good as you will see,” he said. “He bowled really well and the other bowlers supported him and it was a good team effort, the whole two days.”
After being in trouble at 7-31, Point Cook showed some resistance putting on 88 runs for the eighth wicket.
Eventually Point Cook was bowled out for 157 in the 69th over.
Jason McGowan, who was coming back from injury, managed to get through the game, but only bowled four overs.
The Roar will play Grand United in the grand final. Grand United beat East Keilor in the other semi final.
Carton said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“Last time we made 125 and had them 4-35 over night, but we didn’t get on in week two,” he said.
“We’re going to stick to the game plan. We know what we need to do and if we execute that the way we want.
“It’ll be a really exciting game will not change anything.”
While the Roar’s first XI is through to the next round, their second XI got knocked out.
