Semi Final Match Report Posted by Ben McLean on Wednesday, 11 Mar 2015 at 5:03pm 1st XI   The first XI reached the finals for the first time in the top grade in season 2014/15. A great achievement in itself and with a win the week earlier against Eildon Park there was plenty of confidence going in to the return bout at Eildon Park. Winning the toss and batting was the only win we had for the day with Eildon Park opening bowler Sinclair tearing the hearts out of the young Falcons. Reduced to 7/40 odd at tea it didn’t get any better with only skipper Steve Alderton (25) getting past double figures. In response Eildon Park passed the score and batted for a further 6 overs until Murph decided that the exercise was futile. Congratulations to Eildon Park on a fantastic win and we wish them the best of luck in the finals. They are a class act and where we strive to be in the coming years. Congratulations to Murph and his team on a successful year that has definitely proven that our ultimate goals are well within sight and we look forward to a bright future of sustained excellence. 2nd XI Losing the toss and bowling first it was experienced campaigner Simon Grasser that took on the top order of FTG. The big fella bowled 21 straight from the first over of the day for a handy return of 1/29 in a spell that included 9 maidens. At tea Rhys’ side held the balance of power at 4/58. After tea it was the Daine Vernon show. Fresh off his induction into life membership the week before Daine bowled an exceptional spell of bowling that returned 5/21 from 13 overs. In the end FTG had got to 148 in the 69th over which meant that Rhys and Morro had to fight out an intense little period. In typical Rhys fashion any early nerves were quickly despatched along with the ball to all parts of Knox Gardens reserve. Unfortunately Brett Morrison was out in the penultimate over of the day for a well made 19. Rhys began where he left off the day before bringing up his half century early on day 2. He and Nav batted with a mixture of maturity and flair and were looking to cruise past the FTG score. Rhys brought up an amazing century with 1 run left in the bank before he was dismissed looking to hit the winning runs. An emphatic win nevertheless and the boys have another GF to look forward to this week  against The Basin. Good luck lads and the whole club is behind you J 3rd XI Knoxfield won the toss and batted first on KGCC bottom oval. Cliff Fisher and Drew Withers bowled well and both claimed early scalps with the score being 3/54 before a solid partnership saw KFC get past 100. 200+ was on the cards before some quick wickets were taken through the middle order. In the end Knoxfield were all out for 171. Drew Withers was pick of the bowlers at 3/49, Cliffy took 2/44 (18) with Thommo, Gez Jongen & Lamby all claiming wickets. Stumps were drawn after 69 overs of play for the day. Day 2 saw the familiar duo of Callum O’Conner and Andrew Potts face the new ball and things looked a little shaky at 2/20 but it was the ever reliable Matt Lambrick who steadied the middle order running incredibly well between the wickets and consistently backing up at the non-strikers end. He and Dave Hay put together a 45 run partnership before Dovey was bowled for 19. Tim Flintoff came to the crease but when Lamby and Jase both departed with the score on 93 it was evident there was some hard work to be done. Tim went about building a partnership with Jack Marget and when Tim was 7th wicket to fall with the score on 128 it was anyone’s game. Fortunately wise heads rest on young shoulders and Jack guided the side to safety on his way to a match winning 48* that included a 6 in the closing stages that brought a tear to the ol mans eye. A really gutsy win that should give the boys a great deal of confidence going into the GF this week against FTG. Thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time up over the course of the weekend. The result was an overwhelming success off the field and we look forward to all running as smoothly again this week. Special thanks to Monty & Gregor who got a glimpse of life after cricket and special thanks to Amy & Michelle Flintoff and Cara and Norgs for their tremendous efforts in the canteen across a gruelling 2 days. Your efforts certainly did not go un-noticed. 1 week to go boys and girls Views: 1937