It was a day of mixed results for our three sides playing semi finals yesterday, although overall it was a hugely positive one for the Leeming Spartan Cricket Club, with one side already through to the grand final next week and another well placed to do the same.
Congratulations to our One Day ‘C’ side who have progressed into the grand final, where they will take on Piara Waters next Saturday, March 19th from 1:00PM.
It was a clinical performance from Darren Hewson’s men, as they smashed 7/210 from their 40 overs against Thornlie down at Walter Padbury Reserve, largely due to a monumental 110 not out from Jordan Jupp. He was well supported by Tom Warner (13), Hewson (29), and Cale Millett at the end who managed an unbeaten 25.
Jupp’s century is his second in a row, to go with his unbeaten 103 and follows his 83 before that. In fact, in his last 3 innings, Jupp has scored 296 runs with one dismissal at an average of 296! A superb effort that will hopefully continue next Saturday!
The C’s impressive batting display was followed up by a sensational all round bowling effort, as they rolled Thornlie for just 137 from 33 overs (including 28 extras). Thornlie were never in the hunt with wickets falling at regular intervals, Jason King the pick of the bowlers with 3/36 from 7. Paul Popiel also chipped in with 2/19 from six.
A terrific day at the office for the C grade, who will now take on Piara Waters at their main oval as they hope to take the flag back to the Spartan clubhouse! Well done gents!
The success of the C Grade was unfortunately unable to be replicated by our F Troop, who were playing just around the corner also against Thornlie.
After David Blight won the toss and elected to bat, the Spartans made a highly competitive 5/168 from our 35 overs with Nick Allan top scoring with 49 and Graeme Tysoe also making a very handy 43. An opening stand of 50 with Matt McGuire (17), followed by a 49 run stand between Tysoe and Allan saw the Spartans at 2/99 and ready to launch.
With 168 on the board it was certainly a highly defendable total, but it was unfortunately not to be – Thornlie chasing down the total with just 14 balls to spare as they made 4/175.
Nevertheless, it was a hugely successful season for Blighty’s men, and has them in good stead to go one better next year.