THE under-16 Western Waves side will not be resting on its laurels today when it takes on Metropolitan Outer South for a place in the final of the state championships.
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A narrow five-run victory against Barwon in Tuesday’s semi-final was enough for it to progress to the semi-final which will be played at Albert Ground.
After batting first the Waves got off to shaky start before steadily building partnerships through the middle overs.
Despite regular wickets falling partnerships of 27, 36, 22 and 34 allowed the side to put together a reasonable total of 141 before being bowled out in the 47th over.
Liam Burgess contributed the most runs with a well-compiled 39 runs while Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association junior Charlie Dean was the side’s final wicket to fall.
Barwon’s reply followed a similar pattern to that of the Waves innings but the side ultimately could not build as many partnerships.
Isaac Wareham claimed three key wickets before the side was dismissed for 136 in the final over.
Coach John Houston said his side was content but not satisfied with its progress.
“I suppose we’re working on a theory of not thinking forward or back at this stage,” he said.
“We’re thinking in the moment. We’ve done well so far, but we don’t want to live in the past.
“We’re just making sure we’re prepared for what’s next. This is the best we’ve ever finished, but we aren’t satisfied with just that.”
Under-14 Waves
The under-14 Western Waves side also did enough to chalk up its opening win of the championships on Tuesday.
Ten Waves bowlers were utilised as the side rolled through the Mallee-Murray lineup. The side could only manage 107 before being bowled out at the end of the 35th over.
Dunmunkle’s Bailey Young claimed 1-3 off three overs while Lachlan Weidemann ended with figures of 0-13 off four overs after coming on as a first-change bowler.
The Waves top order looked more at home on the second day as Fletcher Cozens, 44, and Sam Artz, 37, guided the sides run chase.
The side had six wickets in hand when it passed its target before ending 6-127 off its 40 overs.
The under-14s side will take on the undefeated Metropolitan North-West side in its final pool game today.