South East 3/137 d Mid North 135
SOUTH East bounced back from a Round 1 loss to claim the South Australian Senior Country Cricket Cup title in dominant fashion against Mid North yesterday in Adelaide.
Matthew McInerney continued his stellar form into the major game, making an impressive 69 from 43 balls, while Robbie Drenthen’s 3/42 off eight overs was also a big contributor to the comfortable victory.
Mid North certainly had the momentum prior to first delivery, entering the grand final undefeated and winning the toss prior to the beginning of the match.
South East had little control early in the game, but Luke Wiese soon changed its fate.
Mid North had just 14 runs on the board before Wiese knocked the woodwork from the ground, giving the South East a reason to celebrate.
However, the excitement was short-lived as Mid North recomposed at the crease.
Another 44 runs were added to the total before a purple patch from the South East swung the momentum in favour of the “underdogs”.
The South East managed three wickets before Mid North could add a run and the formerly undefeated side was 4/58.
Mid North reached 85 before the next scalp was claimed, but from there the misfortune continued as the South East slowly unravelled its batting line-up.
Once Mid North passed the 100-run mark, South East took control and the wickets began to tumble.
In the end a dismal 135 – in just 31 overs – was all Mid North could manage.
The three wickets from Drenthen gave Mid North a real shake.
However, two wickets from Wiese, Nick McInerney and David Somerfield, along with five catches to Brad Close behind the stumps also contributed to the South East’s early dominance.
Matthew McInerney and Jake Schutz padded up to put the South East on the front foot early.
McInerney was batting aggressively and finding the boundary, while Schutz complimented his partner with a patient style.
The two reached a partnership of 87 before McInerney was sent walking.
Despite the dismissal, the South East continued to bat with confidence.
However – refusing to pull up stumps early – Mid North’s tight bowling unsettled its opponent.
Schutz left the crease on 15, while Jase Bateman was forced to the sidelines for a duck.
The South East was 3/97 at the 19-over mark and as required, incoming batsmen David Somerfield and Dylan Clough took a patient approach.
The duo played safe shots and found the gaps in the field to steadily increase the team’s score.
A six to Somerfield and two fours to Clough boosted the score and at the 21-over mark, the South East were chasing just 22 runs with seven wickets in hand.
From there it took just eight balls to reach the target.
Both facing 25 balls for the game, Clough reached a score of 28 not out, while Somerfield reached an unbeaten 18.
The South East finished with 3/137 off just 22.2 overs to claim the prestigious title.
