NAR Nar GoonMaryknoll’s Bgrade bowlers were on target in the defence of a modest 194 on Saturday, bundling Pakenham UpperToomuc out for 121.
Brendan McGrath (4/32 off 16 overs) topped the bowling figures and was well supported by David Harvie (3/25 off 14 overs), Wade Crawford (2/14 off eight overs) and Brent Hughes (1/10 off four overs).
Mathew Lownds was sensational behind the stumps with four catches and two stumpings.
The Marygoons will now play KilcundaBass at Nar Nar Goon Recreation Reserve in the semifinals this weekend.
C GRADE
Defending 308, Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll was keen to finish off the season on a high note.
The youngsters led the attack and the game was all over shortly after tea with Devon Meadows all out for 149.
Chris Smith shared the new ball with Steve Pimm and both bowled well. Smith was unlucky not to claim a wicket, while Pimm captured 4/48 off his 13over spell.
Travis Simpkin (4/25 off seven overs) destroyed the middleorder and Scott Musgrove chipped in with 2/21 off his seven overs.
Geoff Ball and Freddy Hillman made good contributions in the field with a pair of catches each.
D GRADE
Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll finished its season in fine form by accounting for Cardinia in an outright win that should boost its finals’ confidence.
Steve Lewis opened the bowling for the Marygoons the second time around and Simon Sweeney took two early wickets.
Colin Hodson snared three wickets with each resulting from fine catches behind the wicket.
Chase Saunders recovered from a rocky start to pick up two wickets in one over and put the Marygoons in the box seat.
Mick Payroli and Jason Campbell picked up a wicket each and finished off the Cardinia innings at 118.
Needing only three runs for the outright victory, John Preen and Nick Smith were brave enough to put their hands up and they secured the 10wicket win in one over.
The team performed well over the season, but it was after the Christmas break that it really kicked on and earned its finals’ spot.
The Marygoons play Merinda Park at Donnelly Reserve in the semifinals on Saturday.
UNDER 17
Chasing 120, Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll got off to a poor start and fell to 2/16 after just four overs against Pakenham.
Brent Hughes and Daniel Glen put on a great partnership of 93 before the former was removed for 41.
Glen retired shortly after for 51, while Chris Smith added a quickfire, unbeaten 25 and Nathan van Steensel made 21.
The Marygoons declared at 6/170 with eight overs left in the day and made the most of them to restrict the Lions to 1/19 at stumps with Travis Simpkin (1/8) the wickettaker.
The Marygoons face Emerald Black at Chandler Reserve this weekend in the first round of finals.
