Tallarook bounced back following a defeat last week with a nine-wicket win over last year’s grand finalists Yea.
While Thomas White and Biron Hardinge showed some fight at the top of the order, it was only Cam Armstrong who offered significant resistance to Tallarook’s bowling attack, finishing with 43 not out off just 47 balls.
For Tallarook it was Tarkyn Dundon (3-19) and Lachlan Watts (3-30) who played a leading role in dismissing Yea for 100.
Watts again played a superb innings with the bat, smashing 53 not out off 37 balls. He was supported by Hamish Melville who made 27 not out as Tallarook got over the line in the 17th over.
Puckapunyal 136 (J. Say 81, J. Baker 14, T. Stefanos 5-34, O. Valladares 2-30) lost to Avenel 2-137 (T. Stefanos 69no, C. Thomson 27no, J. Say 2-29)
Puckapunyal and Avenel wrapped up their season with Avenel claiming bragging rights in the final round.
Jackson Say was the star of the show for Puckapunyal, making 81 out of a total of 136.
Travis Stefanos continued his strong form with the ball taking 5-34, ensuring Puckapunyal didn’t put any significant partnerships on the board.
Stefanos backed up his effort with the ball as he led Avenel to a win with 69 not out, backed up by Chayse Thomson with 27 not out.
Seymour 139 (C. Evans 59, L. Drummond 23, J. Crane 3-11, V. Hewage 3-29) lost to Alexandra 7-200 (J. Crane 49no, M. Wal 38, B. Pointon 3-39, L. Drummond 2-16)
Alexandra booked its place in the top four in the final match of the season as it defeated second-placed Seymour.
The visitors posted a competitive total of 200, largely thanks to some solid contributions from the middle and lower order. Will Ashton (34), Matthew Wal (38) and Josh Crane (49no) all played their roles.
201 to win was always going to be a tough ask for Seymour and so it proved to be. Despite the best efforts of Cam Evans (59) and Lachlan Drummond (23), the Maroons fell 61 runs short.
Josh Crane capped off a great all round game with 3-11, while Vinu Hewage claimed 3-29.
Alexandra will now take on Tallarook in a semi-final on Saturday.
Atmos Renewables B-grade
Alexandra 3-91 (M. Mawson 29, H. Christie 22no, H. Smith 2-31) d Seymour 87 (H. Smith 21, D. Richardson 17, L. Crane 3-10, R. Jose Kuttikadan 3-17)
Avenel 7-166 (J. Byers 59no, Jared Smith 41, B. Kingston 2-23) d Puckapunyal 66 (B. Kingston 16, J. Kanters 3-1 Jack Smith 3-23)
Yea Tigers 22 (F. Melville 4-7, S. Manchester 3-0) lost to Tallarook 80 (D. McCullough 13, Z. Mills 4-8)
GMCU under-16s
Seymour 2-80 (H. Melville 33no, H. Smith 26) d Yea Tigers 9-79 (H. Heal 21, A. Winnell 20no, L. Brown 2-12)
Avenel 9-127 (A. Butler 22, T. Byers 20, J. Hill 4-21, H. Peggie 3-23) d Pyalong 116 (T. Caddie 30, H. Peggie 23, M. Harding 2-5, O. Kanters 2-11)
Finals this week
A-grade — 12.30pm Saturday, March 14
Tallarook vs Alexandra at Tallarook
Seymour vs Yea at Seymour
B-grade — 12.30pm Saturday, March 14
Tallarook vs Pyalong at Yea
Puckapunyal vs Alexandra at Puckapunyal
Under-16s grand final — 9.30am Sunday, March 15
Seymour vs Avenel at Seymour
Under-13s grand final — 8.30am Saturday, March 14
Tallarook vs Alexandra at Tallarook
23°C