Two-time defending TCL Premier League champions Longford became the first team through to this year’s decider following a comprehensive 126-run qualifying final victory over Cressy on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Country Tigers were 2-103 on their home ground after winning the toss and enjoying a 91-run partnership between Jason Snare (39) and Dilan Sandagirigoda (63).
However, Cressy managed to spark a collapse in which the hosts lost 8-81 with Kieran Davey (30) the only middle-order batsman to show some resistance.
Longford was dismissed for 186 with one ball to spare, thanks largely to Bulldogs opener Varun Nadesh collecting 5-30 off eight overs.
Damian Whybrow picked up 2-32 and Danny Bennett 3-39.
In response, the Bulldogs were never in it – bowled out for 67 in 26 overs with Whybrow top-scoring with 21.
The only other batsman to make double figures was Nadesh (11) with Sandagirgoda (4-12) and Brett Martin (3-19) cleaning up.
BEAUTY POINT sent Hadspen packing with an 86-run triumph in the elimination final at Hadspen Oval.
Beauty Point compiled 227 after being sent in with Jason Savage knocking up a fine century off 64 balls – his third hundred of the season.
His innings included 10 fours and six sixes.
The Tamar Tigers got off to a mighty start and were 3-164 off 27 overs when Savage fell to Chieftains leg-spinner Matt Green (1-40).
Captain Liam Reynolds came on and took 5-8 off four to have the visitors 9-196 with five overs to go in the first innings.
A 31-run last wicket-stand between Hayden Thompson (8 not out) and Quinton Tahiri (21) guided them to a strong total. Nick Price (2-45) and Travis Crisp (1-31) were Hadspen’s other wicket-takers.
The Chieftains’ chase started and ended miserably with Reynolds (35), Andrew House (42) and Price (20) the only batsmen sticking around for any length of time as they were rolled for 141 in 30 overs.
Last season’s runners-up were 6-64 off 16 overs before House and Price combined for a consolidating 51-run stand.
Beauty Point paceman Gavin Nutting started the rot with 2-18 – claiming Damian Woods and Nathan Balym, while Hayden Thompson (3-29), Tahri (2-36) and Adam Turner (2-38) also helped out.
Longford will have a week’s rest as it looks to complete a rare treble, while Cressy will host Beauty Point in a preliminary final on Saturday.
In their two 40-over encounters this season, Cressy and Beauty Point have won once each.
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
