SALE-Maffra ended the defence of its Gippsland Cricket League senior premiership on a high at Warragul on Sunday.
The Sharks’ second victory of the season ended third-placed Warragul’s hopes of making the final. Sale-Maffra finished the season in fourth place.
Despite losing to Bairnsdale on Sunday, Traralgon will meet the same side again in the final on February 1.
The Sharks dominated against Warragul, bowling the home side out for just 126. Josh Davis, Dylan Bolton and Liam Hurst claimed two wickets each.
Sale-Maffra’s reply began with Maffra clubmates Josh Rurawhe (51) and Brett Lanigan (19) putting on 75 for the opening partnership. Both were dismissed in quick succession.
Warragul could only take one more wicket before Rohan Diamond (29) and Ben Saxon (23) saw the Sharks home in the 34th over.
Having missed out on the final, Sale-Maffra’s focus will shift to Melbourne Country Week, which begins on February 9. The Sharks will meet Bairnsdale, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and South West in provincial division.
IN the women’s competition, Sale-Maffra lost to Warragul at Yarragon.
Sent in to bat, Warragul was bowled out for 115 with Denise Sanders scoring 51, before Sale-Maffra’s innings came to an end for 80.
After a bye next round, Sale-Maffra will next play Bairnsdale at Bairnsdale on February 15.
