March 29, 2019
Blackbutt will host Nanango in the Grand Final of the South Burnett B Grade cricket competition on Saturday after the Scorpions despatched Kumbia in the Preliminary Final last weekend.
Nanango won the toss and batted first.
Opener Dan O’Connor, who dominated at the crease during the Elimination final played the week before, led the Scorpions again to an easy victory.
O’Connor hit 11 fours on his way to notching up 70 runs.
Matthew Springate also starred for Nanango with 53 runs, while Stephen Kirkland hit a quickfire 30 in 30 minutes.
At the end of their 40 overs, Nanango were 9/228.
Ryan Kelly was the best of the Kumbia bowlers, taking 4/51 off eight overs, including the wickets of O’Connor and Kirkland.
In reply, the Rattlers – playing at home – were all out for 156 in the 26th over.
Kelly was on fire for Kumbia, hitting 70 runs off just 54 balls before being bowled by Springate.
Kelly’s haul included one six and eight fours.
Shane Laherty (22) and Tony Dugdell (20) also made starts for the Rattlers.
Sam Scott was best with the ball for Nanango, taking 4/25 off seven overs.
The Blackbutt Timbertowners will go into the Grand Final as red hot favourites after finishing on top of the table and suffering just three losses throughout the season.
But one of those losses was against the Scorpions, back in Round 14 in January, which will give Nanango fans some hope.
The Grand Final is due to get under way at the Blackbutt Sports Field at 12:30pm.
The South Burnett Cricket Association will be presenting the individual trophies for A and B Grade at 11:30am, prior to the start of the game.
