March 24, 2023
Murgon and Tingoora Vikings were the two strongest teams all season in the South Burnett Cricket Association’s senior competition, so their Grand Final clash at Wondai on Saturday was always going to be keenly fought.
The game, played at Wondai Sportsground. was a replay of the Major Semi-Final played on Tingoora’s homeground just two weeks earlier.
In that game, Murgon batted first, setting a high target. Their bowlers then decimated the Vikings’ line-up.
This time, Tingoora won the toss and chose to bat, determined to make amends.
But again their wickets began falling cheaply.
Murgon would have been feeling confident after key batter Tavis Hartwig was trapped out LBW for a duck by Adam Kratzmann after facing just two balls.
Vikings’ top scorer was tailender Scott Butters who finished 16 not out.
Tingoora were all out for 101 in the 37th over.
Murgon bowlers shared the honours, with Renee Irvine leading the way with 3/18 off her eight overs. Jamian Currin took 2/11 off eight overs, including two maidens; and Jaden Heness took 2/12 of 2.5 overs.
But the Vikings fought back.
The Murgon innings was also low-scoring with Tingoora’s bowlers taking nine wickets before Murgon scraped over the line in the 34th over.
Opener Robert Zelinksi was bowled for just one run.
Top-scorer was Adrian Webster with 28. The other opener, Jonathon Kapernick, hit 23 runs.
Andrew Roderick was next best with 17 runs.
For Tingoora, Scott Butters took 3/24 off eight overs, including two maidens.
Keegan Wright (2/18 off eight) and Tavis Hartwig (2/27 off eight) also worked hard for the Vikings.
Murgon, at 9/102, enjoyed a one wicket victory.
- Related article: Big Year For South Burnett Cricket
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Gympie A Grade
Day 1 of the Two-Day Grand Final between Murgon Crusaders and Wooroolin Warriors was played at Gympie across Saturday and Sunday.
At the end of their first innings, Warriors were all out for 160.
In reply, Murgon finished their dig with a handy 83 run lead, all out 243.
At the close of play, Warriors were 3/28 in their second innings.
The Grand Final will continue at Gympie’s Keith Manthey Oval from 12:30pm on Saturday.
