Cavs in winning form for finals

David Nielsen

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CASINO Cavaliers won the toss, won the game and won the psychological edge going into the semi-finals when they travelled to Fripp Oval to take on Ballina Bears on Saturday in Far North Coast LJ Hooker League cricket.

The Cavaliers (5-107) defeated Bears (106) in a match reduced to a one-dayer between the two teams many believe will battle out the final in two weeks.

But before that they will need to get past Cudgen and Marist Brothers.

For the second time in the three seasons the Tweed clubs have been part of the Hooker League, one team from each association will contest the semi-finals.

Bears, who finished as minor premiers despite the loss at the weekend, will play Marist Brothers at Fripp Oval this Saturday and Sunday, while the Cavaliers host Cudgen at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino.

The final will be played on March 27-28.

After looking in some trouble in their run chase at 4-49, Wes Koskela (43) guided the Cavs to victory. He was the only batsman from either team to get past 30.

Brothers (132) toned up for the play-offs with a fighting effort against Workers (101) at Oakes Oval, Lismore.

After winning the toss and batting, Brothers were in trouble at 7-53 before Stuart Rose (4) and Nick De Giusti (23) gave their team something to defend.

Workers’ Dean Cameron took his first five-wicket haul in the top grade.

Dain Moreton (3-12) and Adam Thompson (3-19) were the pick of the Marist Brothers bowlers.

In the other one-day game on Saturday, Terranora Lakes (5-80) defeated Brunswick-Byron (79) at Bilambil.

In two-day games started the previous week, Lennox Head (110) settled for first innings points against Tintenbar-East Ballina (98 and 4-106); Tuk Rolfe scored 77 for Alstonville (124 and 4-140 declared) in a first innings win over South Tweed Colts (8-32 declared and 8-171); and Murwillumbah (6-192 declared) ended the dismal season of Pottsville (103).

No play was possible in the match set down for Nielson Park, East Lismore, between Souths and Cudgen.