It’s a Rochester versus Echuca showdown for Goulburn Murray Cricket’s John McMahon Shield after the weekend’s semi-finals.
Rochester scored a 91-run win over Kyabram Fire Brigade and reigning premier Echuca had an 86-run buffer at the end of its clash over cross-river rival Moama to proceed to the season decider.
Minor premier Rochester posted a handy 276 runs off 79.4 overs after winning the toss on Saturday and electing to bat in the clash at home.
The Flames couldn’t match this tally, dismissed for 185.
Rochester’s batting depth was on display after winning the toss and electing to bat in hot conditions.
Opener Brandon Byrne (37) and first drop Vibhor Yadav with a half-century set the platform for a tidy Rochester total early and Adam Ward (54), skipper Angus Martin (30), Dylan Cuttriss (21), Jake Wright (19) and Jesse Cuttriss (14 not out) kept the runs flowing.
Brigade opening bowlers, skipper Rob Salter and Jackson Barnett, toiled hard and long to keep their side in the game and were each rewarded with three wickets, while spinner Kaine Herbert was another busy bowler with a 23 overs stint which produced 2-66.
The Flames made a positive start to their innings on Sunday, with openers Miller Griffiths (28) and Tim Nelson (27) stepping up.
Bohden Learmonth at first drop with an innings high 29, Shannon Fleming (13), Brett Andison (20) Kaine Herbert (14) and young guns Cohan Hooper (18) and Riley Carver (21) all got starts, but none could produce a dominant knock which could have propelled The Flames into a position to win the game.
Adam Ward completed a fine double in the game with 3-45 off 19 overs and two wickets from Myles Wade and Jesse Cuttriss swung the game in Rochester’s favour.
Echuca earned the right to defend the flag it won last year with a comfortable win over Moama in the other semi.
Aidan Young’s 101 off 179 deliveries proved the match-winning knock for Echuca, while Alex Dennis with 53 and late contributions from Kale Edwards (22 not out) and Nathan Elliott (18) at 10 and 11 gave the Rochester total a late boost.
Skipper Anthony McMahon with 3-25 off 12 overs and two wickets from new ball bowler Rhys Drennan and Matt Saunders were the most productive spells for Moama.
The premiership decider this weekend at Bamawm looks a toss-up, with both combatants boasting depth in batting and bowling.
Rochester’s attack led by Adam Ward may be a little stronger and tilt the outcome in the Tigers’ favour.