By Nick Creely
DDCA TURF 1
FINALS PREVIEW – SEMI FINALS
SPRINGVALE SOUTH (1st) v BUCKLEY RIDGES (2nd)
WHERE: Carroll Reserve, Dandenong
WHEN: Saturday 3 March, Sunday 4 March
CAPTAINS: Craig Slocombe (Springvale South) and Troy Aust (Buckley Ridges)
LAST TIME: The two sides clashed in a round 6 one day match, with two class batting performances from Nathan King (115) and Rajitha Jayathunga (94 not out) rubber stamping a brilliant game of cricket. The Bloods notched up 9/213 off the back of King, before Jayathunga rescued the Bucks from 5/98 to a five wicket win with two overs to spare.
KEY PLAYERS: Both sides are glittered with serious talent, but Buckley Ridges legend Daniel ‘DJ’ Watson is having a magic year on field. With 683 runs and 16 wickets, DJ is a chance to claim his first Wookey Medal, and his ability to carve quick and brutal centuries means the Bloods will need to be on their game. For Springvale South, Craig Slocombe is the man built for finals. Since 2004/05, the great has scored 870 runs in finals; including a century and eight half centuries; as well as 17 wickets. His brilliant 104 in the Turf 1 grand final of 2013/14 against Parkfield almost won the Bloods the game.
KEY STATS: Buckley Ridges have been the best batting side in the competition, averaging 227 runs per match, compared to the Bloods who average 203. But it’s with the ball that the Bloods do their best work, and took 13 more wickets than the Bucks throughout the home and away season. But against their fellow top four sides, both teams have taken 25 wickets in three games this season.
THE FINAL WORD: What an absolute belter this clash will be, with two of the most powerful clubs locking horns for an immediate grand final spot. Both sides have been the most consistent, and most ruthless throughout the season, and have the opportunity to gain a psychological advantage over the other. With a grand final spot on the line, the toss will be the most crucial part, with runs on the board immediately a massive advantage. On a deck that has seen spinners work their magic for St Mary’s a lot throughout the season, Springvale South will go in as favourites, and could have too much firepower for the Bucks.
MORDIALLOC (3rd) v HALLAM KALORA PARK (4th)
WHERE: Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc
WHEN: Saturday 3 March, Sunday 4 March
CAPTAINS: Stuart Squires (Mordialloc) and Steve Gilmour (Hallam Kalora Park)
LAST TIME: Back in round 6, Mordialloc outclassed Hallam in a one day match at Hallam Reserve. Batting first, the Hawks could only muster up 129. The Bloodhounds had little trouble running the total down, with Ian Daniel (76 not out) putting on a show as the visitors won three wickets down.
KEY PLAYERS: Ian Daniel is one of the biggest superstars in the DDCA competition, and has had his best year out of his four seasons at Mordi. The all-rounder has a whopping 734 runs next to his name. Daniel has 127 runs and nine wickets in his four games against the Hawks in the DDCA, and will be a player who the Hawks must remove early. Hallam’s all-rounder Jordan Hammond is another gearing into his best form, and crunched a match winning 87 in the final round. Hammond provides plenty of flexibility with both bat and ball, and can quickly take the game away from the Bloodhounds.
KEY STATS: Mordialloc is ruthless with the ball, having taken 12 more wickets than any other top four side (127), while Hallam has struggled at times taking the 10 wickets, finishing with just the 101, which actually puts them in the bottom five. But it’s away from home that the Hawks have interestingly played their best cricket away from home, and won all five of their away games this season, meaning they have no issues away in different playing conditions.
THE FINAL WORD: Mordialloc squandered an opportunity for top spot with a shock final round loss to Cranbourne, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that they are arguably the team to beat as they look to defend their premiership. Hallam will have their hands full with Mordialloc’s top order, and if they can get Daniel early, are in with a chance. But the Bloodhounds should have enough experience and class to get the job done.
