Greg Trevena
Byron Bay cricketers won their third-grade semi-final against Bangalow on the back of a century to Matt Larsson last Saturday, at the Byron Recreation Ground.
Bangalow won the toss and batted first, posting a challenging total of 218 off 39.3 overs.
Bangalow’s Connor Redden top scored with 39 and Harry Bull made 31. The best with the ball for Byron were Brendan Mitchell 3/21, skipper Joel Stocks 3/24 and Reece Egan 3/31.
In reply Byron’s number three bat (and soon to be father) Matt Larsson put on a fantastic batting performance to post an unbeaten 123.
He steered Byron to a very hard fought, five wicket win, with only two overs left to play. Larsson was well supported by the competition’s leading run scorer for the season, Doug Jarvis (39 runs) and Reece Egan (23 no).
Byron will take on Tintenbar East Ballina (TEB) in the grand final after they beat Mullumbimby Brunswick in the other semi.
Mullumbimby batted first in the game and were bowled out for 146. The best with the bat were skipper Lachlan McKenzie (46) and Matt Hambly (24).
TEB’s best bowler was Nathan Clements who claimed 4/30.
TEB chased the total down in only 26.2 overs with skipper, Ben Crawford, top scoring with 53 not out off a mere 22 balls. Reuben Saric made 32.
Mullum’s James Clarke took 2/22.
Byron thirds will travel to Ballina this Saturday to take on minor premiers TEB at Kingsford Smith Park.
Coastal League
In the Coastal League (second-grade) cricket competition, Cugden posted 6/237 and won their semi-final against Terranora, who were all out for 219.
In the other semi-final Tweed-Banora were bowled out for 101, by TEB, with Arren Laycock posting the top score of 28. Best TEB bowler was Davis Dirou with 3/20 and the captain Brett Crawford nabbed 2/7.
TEB chased down the total inside 30 overs, losing only four wickets. Kai Dalli (36 no) and Brett (38 no) got the team home and into the championship game.
First grade
Minor premiers Goonellabah Workers booked their place in the grand final with a win over Tweed-Banora. The homeside posted a commanding 334 on the back of scores by Rory McLean (80), Damien Santin (65) and Kale Hare (59).
Thomas Byrne picked up 5/60 off 26 overs.
In reply Tweed-Banora were rolled for 91
At Reg Dalton Oval Pottsville posted 186, but were chased down by Cudgen (10/191) inside 46 overs.
Goonellabah Workers will chase their first premiership title, in just their second year in the grade, this Saturday against competition stalwarts Cudgen.
