Bangalow Cricket Club has played its way into the third-grade grand final after beating minor premiers Lennox Head in the semi-final played at Megan Crescent Oval last Saturday.
Bangalow came into the game as the underdog after finishing in fourth place and without a win against Lennox Head Pirates for the season.
After winning the toss Bangalow set to work and soon had Lennox Head on the backfoot at 4/30.
The Pirates then created a middle order recovery with Arlo Woodbridge (57) and Adrian Zakaras (42) helping the side to a total of 7/171 off 40 overs.
James Buchanan, who finished his eight overs for Bangalow with 3/13 and Connor Redden (1/14), were the pick of the bowlers.
In reply Bangalow got off to a strong start but lost three wickets with the score on 68 to let Lennox Head back into the game. Connor Redden (36) and James Buchanan (41no) then backed up their bowling performances with solid batting to help their side reach the total with three overs to spare, and set up a grand final appearance.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay made it through their semi-final against Ballina Bears on a damp, and low-scoring Recreation Ground pitch.
Byron won the toss and elected to bat. After a slow start Byron were bowled out early for 109 in the 37th over. Just four batters managed double figures including top scorers Shaun Greening (17), Owen Delian (15) and Ryan McGuiness (15).
Bowling honours went to Ballina’s Isaac Duroux 4/16 off seven overs, and James Hort 2/11 off 2 overs.
Hamish Clacher led the Bears with the bat after opening strongly with a quickfire 24 off 11 balls. From there Byron clawed back five wickets for 27 runs to reduce the bears to 6/65. Despite a late innings from James Hort worth 17, the side was bowled out for 97, 13 runs short.
Captain Shaun Greening was the pick of the bowlers with 4/18 off eight overs, backed up by Leigh Simpson 2/16 off four and Sean Wills 2/17 off seven overs.
Bangalow play Byron Bay in the grand final at the Recreation Ground this Saturday, March 23, from 1.00pm.
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